‘I’m Not Afraid of Much’: The Heartbreaking Final Message of the 26-Year-Old Backpacker Who Died in a Volcano Crater

Juliana Marins | Source: Instagram/ajulianamarins

Months before her fatal fall, the young traveler left behind a message that now reads like a final goodbye.

Brazilian Traveler Juliana Marins Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Leaving Behind Haunting Farewell Message

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old advertising professional from Brazil, was found dead on June 24, 2025, after falling into a ravine near the crater of Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes on the island of Lombok. Her tragic passing has resonated around the world, not only because of the extraordinary rescue efforts mounted to recover her body, but also because of a deeply moving farewell message she had written months before her death — a message her mother has now shared publicly, giving new poignancy to her loss.

According to local authorities, Juliana was trekking on Mount Rinjani with a small group of fellow travelers and a local guide when she lost her footing close to the crater rim, where the ground is steep and slippery in parts. Witnesses reported that she stumbled while attempting to take a photograph, a common activity for trekkers who are drawn to the site’s breathtaking views. Tragically, she fell into a 40-meter-deep ravine. Despite immediate rescue attempts by other hikers and guides, she could not be reached in time.

The rescue operation took over 18 hours, involving skilled search-and-rescue teams from Lombok as well as volunteers. The rough terrain and the narrow, hazardous cliff made recovery extremely challenging, and poor weather conditions delayed helicopter access to the site. Rescuers eventually rappelled into the ravine to recover Juliana’s body, which was then transported to a local hospital for formal identification and autopsy.

Juliana’s death immediately made headlines both in Indonesia and back home in Brazil, where she was described by friends and colleagues as adventurous, driven, and full of life. A rising star in the advertising industry, she had taken time off to explore Southeast Asia, documenting her travels on social media. Her posts were filled with enthusiasm about new cultures, food, landscapes, and the people she met along the way.

In a heartbreaking development, Juliana’s mother, Carla Marins, released a farewell letter that Juliana had written months earlier but never published. In it, Juliana reflected on her passion for travel, acknowledging the inherent risks of venturing into remote and challenging places. She wrote:

“If someday I do not return from one of my journeys, know that I was where I loved to be, doing what made me feel most alive. I choose to explore the world with an open heart, knowing there is danger, but also incredible beauty.”

Carla Marins shared these words with local Brazilian media, explaining that she wanted the world to understand Juliana’s spirit and her courage. The letter has since gone viral, resonating with travelers and dreamers across the globe.

Mount Rinjani itself is a popular destination for hikers, known for its spectacular volcanic crater and challenging treks. Each year, thousands of climbers attempt the multi-day ascent to the crater rim and summit, which rises to over 3,700 meters above sea level. The trail can be dangerous, particularly near the rim, where loose rocks and unstable paths pose risks to even experienced hikers. Authorities have repeatedly warned about safety precautions, especially for those traveling without sufficient gear or preparation.

Juliana’s story has renewed attention on the need for strict safety standards and qualified guides in Indonesian trekking tourism. Local officials have pledged to review safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In the meantime, tributes have poured in from Juliana’s friends, former colleagues, and followers who had been inspired by her travels. Many have shared their condolences on social media, using her own words to honor her memory.

“She died chasing her dreams,” one friend wrote. “We should all be so brave.”

As Juliana’s family prepares to bring her body back to Brazil for burial, her story continues to move people around the world. Her letter, full of passion and acceptance, stands as a testament to a young woman who lived her life fully — even if it was, heartbreakingly, cut far too short.


If you’d like, I can help adapt this into a news script, social media post, or tribute page — just say the word.

Juliana had been backpacking through Southeast Asia since February and had already been to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. On the morning of June 21, she set out on a hike with five friends and a guide on Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.

Brazilian Traveler Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Leaving Behind Poignant Farewell Letter

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, was found dead on June 24, 2025, after a tragic accident while trekking on Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, Juliana slipped from a cliff near the volcano’s crater, falling approximately 40 meters into a steep ravine. One group member described the conditions as extremely challenging, with poor visibility and rugged, slippery terrain.

Despite surviving the initial fall, Juliana was stranded and could be heard calling for help from below. Drone footage later confirmed she was alive and moving on the volcanic slope, but rescue efforts faced severe obstacles. Dense fog and dangerous terrain delayed rescuers for hours, and it took more than 18 hours for a specialist team to finally reach her. Sadly, by then, she had succumbed to her injuries and exposure.

Juliana had been traveling through Southeast Asia, sharing photos and reflections about her adventures. In a powerful twist, her mother recently revealed a farewell letter Juliana had written months earlier, acknowledging the dangers of travel but embracing them with courage.

“If someday I do not return from one of my journeys,” she wrote, “know that I was where I loved to be, doing what made me feel most alive.”

Her words have since touched people around the world, resonating with those who see travel as a way to live boldly, even with risk.

Authorities have promised to review Mount Rinjani’s trekking safety procedures in hopes of preventing similar tragedies, while tributes continue to pour in for Juliana. Friends and fellow travelers remember her as an adventurous, fearless soul who died pursuing her dreams.

Yet, when rescue teams descended about 300 meters to her presumed location, they were unable to find her or get a response. By the next morning, drone visuals confirmed she had moved from the initial location, prompting further search complications.

Over the following days, poor weather and climate conditions halted operations multiple times. On June 24, three days after the fall, rescuers finally reached her body after descending 600 meters into a ravine.

Brazilian Woman Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Leaving Behind Poignant Farewell Letter

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, died after falling from a cliff near the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani on June 24, 2025. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, Juliana slipped on the steep, slippery trail with poor visibility and fell approximately 40 meters into a ravine. According to a group member, she was heard screaming for help and could be seen alive and moving in drone footage shortly after the fall.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, the rough terrain and thick fog made reaching her nearly impossible. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency confirmed that about 50 personnel were involved in the operation. While her location was identified that day, bad weather prevented a safe recovery, forcing the team to delay until early the next morning.

Tragically, Juliana did not survive her injuries and exposure. Later that day, her family confirmed her death in a message posted on social media:

“With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received.”

Juliana had been exploring Southeast Asia on a dream trip, documenting her love of travel online. After her death, her mother shared a farewell message Juliana had written months earlier, in which she acknowledged the risks of travel and accepted them in pursuit of a full life.

“If someday I do not return from one of my journeys,” Juliana wrote, “know that I was where I loved to be, doing what made me feel most alive.”

Her words have resonated deeply with many, honoring the memory of a young woman remembered for her adventurous, fearless spirit.

Brazilian Woman Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Family Shares Farewell Letter

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, died after falling from a cliff near the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani on June 24, 2025. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, Juliana slipped on a steep, slick trail in poor visibility and fell approximately 40 meters into a ravine. Witnesses reported hearing her screams for help, and drone footage showed her alive and moving after the fall.

Rescue efforts began immediately but were severely hampered by dense fog and treacherous terrain. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency confirmed that about 50 personnel took part in the operation. Though Juliana’s location was identified that same day, bad weather forced recovery teams to postpone until the following morning.

Tragically, Juliana did not survive her injuries and exposure. Her family confirmed her death later that day in a social media post:

“With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received.”

By June 27, Juliana’s body had been recovered and an autopsy conducted in Indonesia. The results showed she died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma sustained in the fall.

Her family also expressed concern that the trail was not closed after the accident, especially since a Malaysian tourist had died on the same mountain just weeks earlier.

Juliana had been traveling through Southeast Asia on a dream trip, documenting her adventures online. Months before, she wrote a farewell letter acknowledging the dangers of travel but embracing them in pursuit of a full life:

“If someday I do not return from one of my journeys,” she wrote, “know that I was where I loved to be, doing what made me feel most alive.”

Brazilian Woman Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Farewell Letter Goes Viral

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, died after falling from a cliff near the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani on June 24, 2025. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, she slipped on the steep, slick trail in poor visibility and fell roughly 40 meters into a ravine. Witnesses reported hearing her screams for help, and drone footage showed her alive and moving afterward.

Rescue efforts began immediately but were severely hampered by dense fog and hazardous terrain. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency confirmed about 50 personnel were involved. Though Juliana’s location was identified the same day, bad weather delayed the recovery until the next morning.

Her family confirmed her death in a social media statement:

“With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received.”

By June 27, authorities had recovered Juliana’s body and performed an autopsy. Examiners found she died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma, including extensive internal organ damage and multiple bone fractures. They estimated she died within 20 minutes after the bleeding began. Hypothermia was ruled out, as no tissue damage was observed on her fingers. Toxicology results are still pending.

Juliana’s family also criticized the fact that the trail had remained open after the accident, despite another tourist fatality on the mountain just weeks earlier.

Juliana had been on a dream trip through Southeast Asia, sharing her journey on social media. Months before, she had written a farewell message, acknowledging the risks of travel but embracing them:

“If someday I do not return from one of my journeys, know that I was where I loved to be, doing what made me feel most alive.”

Her words continue to inspire travelers around the world to live boldly and without regret.

Brazilian Woman Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Farewell Letter and Family Tribute Go Viral

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, died on June 24, 2025, after falling from a cliff near the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, she slipped on the steep, slick trail in poor visibility and fell approximately 40 meters into a ravine. Witnesses heard her screams for help, and drone footage showed her alive and moving after the fall.

Rescue efforts involving 50 personnel began immediately but were severely hampered by dense fog and hazardous terrain. Although her location was identified that day, bad weather delayed recovery until the following morning.

By June 27, Juliana’s body had been retrieved, and an autopsy determined she died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma, with injuries including damage to internal organs and multiple bone fractures. Death likely occurred within 20 minutes of the bleeding starting. Hypothermia was ruled out, with no tissue damage observed on her fingers. Toxicology results remain pending.

Her family confirmed her death in a heartfelt social media post, thanking supporters for their prayers and messages. They also expressed concern that the trail had not been closed after previous fatalities, including a Malaysian tourist weeks earlier.

As news of Juliana’s death circled the globe, her parents, Manoel and Estela Marins, appeared on Brazil’s Fantástico program on June 29 for an exclusive interview. On air, Estela read a message Juliana had written at the start of her trip, describing the powerful bond she shared with her family and the emotional conflict she felt about leaving them behind to pursue her dreams.

Juliana’s earlier farewell note, in which she accepted the risks of travel in pursuit of a full life, has since gone viral and inspired travelers around the world to live boldly and cherish every moment.

“Mommy, I love you so much. My heart broke when we said goodbye. Actually, that’s the only thing that worries me: disappointing you, Daddy, or my sister. Other than that, I’m not afraid of much, least of all hardships,”

Brazilian Woman Dies After Fall on Mount Rinjani, Farewell Letter and Family Tribute Resonate Worldwide

Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian advertising professional, died on June 24, 2025, after falling from a cliff near the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, she slipped on the steep, slick trail in poor visibility and plunged roughly 40 meters into a ravine. Witnesses heard her screams for help, and drone footage showed her alive and moving after the fall.

Rescue efforts involving 50 personnel began immediately but were hampered by dense fog and dangerous terrain. Although her location was identified that day, bad weather delayed recovery until the following morning.

By June 27, Juliana’s body had been recovered, and an autopsy determined she died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma, with injuries including extensive internal organ damage and multiple bone fractures. Death was estimated to have occurred within 20 minutes of the bleeding starting. Hypothermia was ruled out, with no tissue damage on her fingers. Toxicology results are still pending.

Her family confirmed her death in a heartfelt message on social media, thanking supporters for their prayers and concern. They also expressed worry that the trail remained open after previous fatalities, including a Malaysian tourist weeks earlier.

As news of Juliana’s death spread globally, her parents, Manoel and Estela Marins, appeared on Brazil’s Fantástico program on June 29. On the show, Estela read a message Juliana had written at the start of her trip, where she credited her mother for teaching her strength and independence:

“I was raised by a woman who can solve any problem and who isn’t afraid to go after her dreams. I’m like that too. I have different desires and dreams. I love you all so much! And I’ll always be grateful for all the support, care, and affection. That’s what keeps me from being afraid.”

Juliana’s courageous words have inspired countless travelers to embrace life fully and without fear.

Juliana Marins and her family in front of a waterfall, from a post dated May 27, 2025 | Source: Instagram/ajulianamarins

That message isn’t isolated. Juliana’s Instagram account, which documented her travels, has a post from May 27 mentioning her family. Alongside photos of them near waterfalls and rocks, she described a call filled with emotion.

“Today I called them crying from missing them. I ended the call with a big smile on my face, laughing at my parents’ silliness, and with peace in my heart for having come into the world in this family,” she wrote in the caption. “Oh, and of course my sister had to leave at the beginning of the conversation because she had to join a meeting.”

Mount Rinjani, standing 3,726 meters high, draws thousands of tourists annually. However, its rugged paths have proven fatal before. Now, Juliana Marins’ tragic death and the details of her final days serve as reminders that life can end in a second.

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