Who was Giulia Manfrini? Cause of death explored as surfer influencer dies aged 36
Italian surfer Giulia Manfrini reportedly died on October 18 while surfing in the waters of the Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. According to reports, the influencer was impaled by a swordfish at the time of the incident. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that she was rushed to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center after the attack but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Giulia Manfrini was 36 years old at the time of her death.
After getting attacked by a swordfish in her chest, which left deep wounds approximately two inches, Giulia Manfrini reportedly showed signs of drowning. Two witnesses attempted to perform first aid before taking her to the medics, but she succumbed to her severe injuries.
Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency, released a statement following Giulia Manfrini‘s passing. He told news agency Antara:
“The information we received from the Head of Southwest Siberut District was that an accident occurred with an Italian citizen while surfing. Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest.”
For those uninitiated, Giulia Manfrini was the co-founder of AWAVE Travel. As per her LinkedIn account, she managed the organization's social media, provided legal advice, handled graphic design and web development, and oversaw the Surf Resorts Sales department. At the time of writing, she had over 27,000 followers on Instagram.
More about Giulia Manfrini as influencer passes away while surfing
Giulia Manfrini and James Colston founded AWAVE Travel in November 2020. Before launching her own company, Manfrini worked as a freelancer with the International Surfing Association and served as an instructor at Lineupexplorers, Scuola Sci Monti della Luna, and Studio Legale Manfrini.
As per their official website, AWAVE Travels specializes in organizing travels for surfers who like to hit exotic locations. The organization consists of passionate surfers who are well-known for their knowledge of surfing and travel.
Giulia Manfrini was also the founder of Sliding Chronicles.
Before gaining her reputation as an expert surfer, Manfrini was a pro-snowboarder. An Italian news outlet reported that she won the Italian Youth Cup for snowboarding in the 2006-07 season. The AWAVE Travel website shared:
“Giulia’s passion for surfing has led her all over the world to chase waves! She loves a good mix of adventure and luxury and she always makes sure that all AWAVE Travel’s clients come back from their trips stoked! When not organizing trips, you’ll find her waves and powder hunting, song-writing, dancing & playing beach volley!”
Before forming a full-fledged career out of surfing, Manfrini obtained her law degree in 2013 and completed an apprenticeship in law.
James Colston, the co-founder of AWAVE Travel, took to Instagram to share a statement following her passing. He said:
“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.”
Her death comes just a month after the surfing community mourned the loss of surfer Jorge Alvarado, who died after sustaining a fatal head injury while surfing in Daytona Beach, Florida.