This is the horrifying moment an influencer is killed after being hit by a speeding boat while surfing in central Chile.
Designer and photographer Javiera Ortiz, who was due to marry in a fortnight, suffered fatal injuries to her head and arms after the fishing vessel ran over her near the shoreline at Rinconada Beach in Tauca, Cobquecura.
The 34-year-old, who had thousands of fans online, was rushed to hospital but soon succumbed to her injuries.
Fans have been paying tribute to Javiera since news of her death emerged and have vented their anger at the actions of the 60-year-old skipper of the boat, who was arrested but subsequently released on bail pending an ongoing criminal probe.
Chilean surfer Alexi Valenzeula said after footage of the accident went viral, showing the motorised fishing vessel speeding towards the shoreline and going over Javiera without seeing her in the ocean: ‘As a surfer I regret the death of Javiera Ortiz.
‘The fishermen were negligent. All they needed to have done was put one man at the bow where they could have seen her and avoided this unnecessary accident that led to Javiera’s death.
‘It’s manslaughter and I hope it doesn’t go unpunished.’
But Cristian Aguila, sounding a note of caution, responded: ‘I think the fishermen have been working there for years and the intruders are the surfers.
An influencer who was surfing in central Chile died after being hit and run over by a speeding boat
A 60-year-old skipper had been driving the boat when it hit Javiera Ortiz at Rinconada Beach in Tauca, Cobquecura
The footage of the fatal accident showed it was witnesses who informed the men in the fishing boat they had just hit Javiera
The influencer, according to local reports was due to marry her partner in a fortnight
‘They should be the ones taking more precautions.’
One of the 63,500 fans who followed Javiera on Instagram, where the expert showed off her knitting expertise and some of the garments she made, said: ‘I’m still in shock at the news. I’ve only just found out you’re gone.
‘Rest in peace beautiful and may light illuminate your path and give your family strength to bear this loss.’
Another, referring to Javiera by her shortened nickname of Javi, added: ‘We’re going to miss you Javi. You were greatly loved.
‘Your energy, your desire to share, show and learn in the way you did made you very special.
‘May your being be free, filled with the love of all you shared with.’
The footage of the fatal accident showed it was witnesses who informed the men in the fishing boat they had just hit Javiera.
She was rushed to hospital in Cobquecura in a pick-up that had been parked near the beach.
The popular influencer hailed from the city of Rancagua south of the Chilean capital Santiago
She had over 63,500 fans on Instagram, where the expert showed off her knitting expertise and some of the garments she made
The 34-year-old, who had thousands of fans online, was rushed to hospital but soon succumbed to her injuries
The popular influencer hailed from the city of Rancagua south of the Chilean capital Santiago. She had moved to the area where she died, some 220 miles south west of her birthplace, so she could be with her partner.
Local reports said the couple were due to marry later this month.
Police chief Pedro Parra Valdivia, confirming a man’s arrest over the fatal incident, said: ‘The fishing vessel was being operated by a person aged 60 who didn’t see the female surfer as he approached the shoreline.
‘She suffered serious injuries which resulted in her death. The arrest took place the same day the victim died.’
Two people including the man detained were in the boat at the time.
