Chilean influencer Javiera Ortiz amassed a sizable following on Instagram with content related to surfing, knitting, and photography.

However, the online star's life was tragically cut short on February 21 when she was struck by a fishing boat. 

"The surfing community and locals are mourning this tragic loss"

People noted that a statement concerning Ortiz's death was put out on Instagram by Club de Surf Rinconada de Taucú, a Chilean surfing hub.

"With deep sorrow, we announce that a surfer has died in an accident on Rinconada de Taucü beach, Cobequecura today. The surfing community and locals are mourning this tragic loss," an English translation of the statement was quoted as saying

The statement explained that authorities "are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident to determine responsibility and prevent future incidents."

"In this moment of pain, we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased surfer. May they find comfort and strength to overcome this difficult situation," it stressed.

"The surfing community reaffirms its commitment to water safety and requests that there be better support in entry and exit procedures for boats at sea," the statement continued before expressing hope that future accidents could be avoided.

Clip showing Ortiz's death has emerged

Meanwhile, the website Surfer.com reported that a video clip showing the moment that Ortiz was struck has surfaced and is circulating on social media.

A tragic accident as surfer and influencer Javiera Ortiz was run over by a fishing boat, and subsequently lost her life, in Cobquecura, Chile. https://t.co/9GHckIhZKI

— SURFER (@Surfer) March 3, 2025

"Surfers are very stubborn, the boats give all the signals, they go around and around in order for them to see the boat, but they ignore everything, and unfortunately when they see a wave they ride it, they don’t care if the boat is coming to ground, they just ride it," Bastías said in an interview.

"In this case the fisherman didn’t see anything, the fisherman who is driving on a wave can’t possibly see a person in the water, but they can see the boat because the boat is huge compared to theirs, but they don’t respect anything," he went on to complain.

Ortiz was looking forward to getting married

People observed that news of Ortiz's death was met with tributes from her fans along with expressions of sympathy to her family.

The social media sensation was engaged to be married, something which she alluded to in an Instagram post from February 5.

"I always dreamed of having a space with lots of wind spirals for my wedding day, and that's how many of my followers are helping me make it happen," Ortiz wrote.