Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian hiking influencer, tragically died after falling from a cliff near Mount Rinjani in Indonesia on June 21. According to an autopsy report, her death was primarily due to internal bleeding resulting from severe injuries, including damage to her internal organs and multiple bone fractures. The incident occurred while Marins was near a trail leading to the volcano’s crater, which rises 12,000 feet. Following her fall, search and rescue teams conducted a three-day operation to locate her body, which was ultimately discovered on June 24. Initial investigations suggested that Marins may have survived the fall for a brief period, possibly succumbing to injuries roughly 20 minutes after her descent.
The autopsy revealed that her most critical injuries affected her abdomen and respiratory system. Coroner Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit noted there were no indications of hypothermia or any signs of prolonged suffering, estimating that her death occurred between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day her body was found. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences in a statement, underlining the sadness surrounding her tragic demise. Furthermore, the ministry highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams due to adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain, emphasizing their dedication in locating Marins.
In light of the circumstances surrounding her death, Marins’ family has requested a second autopsy to clarify her time of death and any other pertinent details potentially overlooked by Indonesian authorities. Local police have begun their own investigation, interviewing witnesses, including her trekking organizer and local guide, as part of the inquiry into the accident. This additional scrutiny aims to provide further clarity on the events leading up to her fall.
The guide, Ali Musthofa, has publicly defended himself by denying any wrongdoing. He claims he advised Marins to take a rest while he stepped away briefly. Upon his return, he discovered that she had vanished. Musthofa stated he had heard her calling for help, which raises questions about the circumstances of her fall and the actions taken during that pivotal moment. The investigation will likely delve deeper into these aspects to establish any potential negligence or accountability.
Following the incident, an Instagram account dedicated to the search for Marins gained immense traction, garnering over a million followers. Tragically, a post from her family confirmed her passing, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers they received from the community during the search effort. This response from the family illustrated the outpouring of love and concern from the social media community as they came together in the hope of finding her safe.
As the investigation unfolds and further details emerge, the case of Juliana Marins serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with trekking and hiking in challenging environments. With both a second autopsy and ongoing inquiries, there is hope that clarity and closure will be provided for her family in the wake of this devastating loss. In a world increasingly captivated by adventure and exploration, her story highlights the importance of safety measures and vigilant oversight when navigating remote terrains.
