Renowned Surfer Dead At 36 Following 'Freak Accident' Which Left Her 'Pierced' In Chest By Swordfish

An accomplished surfer has sadly died as the result of a terrifying swordfish attack.

An Italian woman by the name of Giulia Manfrini passed away over the weekend when a surfing excursion in the Mentawai Islands Regency in Indonesia turned deadly. Lahmudin Siregar, the head of the Mentawai Islands’ Disaster Management Agency told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday that while out in the water, the 36-year-old encountered a swordfish. The animal “unexpectedly jumped towards Manfrini and pierced her chest.” Giulia was transported to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center, but tragically succumbed to her wound.

How awful…

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The athlete co-founded AWAVE Travel — a surfing and snowboarding company — with James Colston. He paid tribute to her in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday. He wrote:

“It is with the deepest sadness that I have to announce the passing of Giulia Manfrini, one of AWAVE Travel’s co-founders. Giulia was surfing in remote Indonesia and suffered a freak accident. Unfortunately, even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia couldn’t be saved. We believe she died doing what she loved, in a place that she loved. Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all that came in contact with her … We love you Giulia. I am so sorry to say goodbye.”

See his full post (below):

So sad. Rest in peace, Giulia.

[Images via Giuluana Manfrini/Instagram]