The body of Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins, who died after plunging into a ravine on Mount Rinjani, was transferred from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to Bali, where an autopsy has now confirmed she died within 20 minutes of impact due to severe internal injuries.
Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit, a forensic specialist at Prof. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar, conducted the post-mortem examination at Bali Mandara Hospital on Friday, 27 June. He said the 27-year-old suffered extensive trauma.
“We estimate she survived no more than 20 minutes,” Dr. Alit told reporters after completing the examination. “The cause of death was blunt force trauma that damaged multiple internal organs and caused major bleeding.”
The autopsy revealed fractures to the spine, lower back, chest, and thigh, all consistent with a high-impact fall. “There were no signs that death occurred much later than the fall itself,” Alit added.
Fatal Fall and Delayed Recovery
Marins reportedly fell into a ravine in the Cemara Tunggal area while ascending Mount Rinjani via the Sembalun route on Saturday, 21 June. A search operation was launched but was repeatedly hampered by thick fog and rugged terrain.
On Monday, 23 June, rescuers detected her location approximately 500 meters below the point where she was last seen. Her body was recovered on Tuesday at a depth of around 600 meters. Due to poor weather, the planned helicopter evacuation was abandoned in favor of a manual stretcher carryout to the national park entrance.
Body Transferred for Forensic Examination
The body was initially brought to Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram but was later sent to Bali for autopsy due to the unavailability of a forensic pathologist in NTB. The transfer was made via sea route under police escort.
NTB Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri said the provincial government would cover all handling costs and had coordinated closely with the Brazilian Embassy. “This loss is not only the family’s but also ours in NTB. Juliana came here as a visitor. We share our deepest condolences,” she said.
Following the autopsy, the body is expected to be repatriated to Brazil.
