The surfing community suffered a tragic and unexpected loss recently as one of its beloved stars was killed in a seemingly unlikely accident.

Italian surfer Guilia Manfrini, 36, a former professional snowboarder turned adventure travel agent, died while surfing off the coast of Indonesia after she was reportedly stabbed in the chest by a sharp-billed fish, according to Marca.

Others who witnessed the freak occurrence immediately tried to help rescue Manfrini, but by the time she was brought to shore and then transported to a nearby hospital, she had already passed away, either from blood loss or from drowning.

Beloved adventure travel agent killed while surfing

The news was announced with "deepest sadness" on Saturday by AWAVE Travel, an agency she cofounded, which said in an Instagram post, "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," the post, written by co-founder James Colston, continued.

He added, "We value your kind words, memories of Giulia and all that she leaves behind. We love you Giulia. I am so sorry to say goodbye."

Struck in the chest by a sharp-billed fish

According to USA Today, there is some dispute about exactly what sort of sharp-billed ocean fish was responsible for inflicting the deep stab wound in Manfrini's chest that knocked her off her board and led to her death.

Some media outlets and witnesses reported that she'd been struck by a large swordfish, while others suggested it was a smaller but no less dangerous needlefish -- both of which are predatory and have elongated and pointed bills or beaks.

The incident occurred while Manfrini was at the Hidden Bay Resort on Mentawai Island in Indonesia, which is owned by a friend of hers who claimed in an Instagram post that "she was hit in the chest by a needlefish and died almost immediately."

The resort noted that the safety of their guests is a top priority and measures are in place at the resort and on the boats, but said, "Unfortunately, in this case, there was nothing we could do and we provided all the necessary support to help with the procedures for repatriating the body."

Attempts to rescue her were thwarted by big waves

USA Today reported that the Hidden Bay Resort is owned by Alexandre Ribas, a close friend of Manfrini who was on a nearby boat watching when she was struck in the chest by the sharp-nosed fish and immediately attempted to save her along with others who were in the area.

Ribas told the outlet that Manfrini screamed when she was hit and then fell off her board, at which point he dove into the water and paddled toward her along with others, only for their valiant efforts to be stymied by what he described as a set of waves that were "perhaps the biggest of the day" that swept everyone away.

She was eventually recovered and taken back to shore where a doctor tried to revive her, to no avail, and she was pronounced dead by the time she was transported to a hospital in a nearby village.

The media outlet noted that tributes and condolences have been offered by Manfrini's colleagues and friends and even the mayor of her hometown in Italy, where her body will be repatriated.