Alexandre Pato Supports Family of Juliana Marins After Tragic Fall

In a poignant act of solidarity, Brazilian football star Alexandre Pato has stepped forward to assist the family of Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old dancer who tragically lost her life while hiking Mount Rinjani in Indonesia. The incident, which occurred on June 21, 2025, has raised serious concerns regarding the adequacy of the rescue efforts undertaken by local authorities. Pato's involvement comes as the family seeks justice for what they allege to be negligence during the crucial moments following Marins' fall.

Juliana Marins was part of a hiking group that ventured to the summit of Mount Rinjani, a 3,726-meter volcano located on the Indonesian island of Lombok. According to Indonesian Search and Rescue authorities, Marins fell approximately 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) into a crater during the hike. After a multi-day search operation that spanned from June 22 to June 25, her body was discovered on June 24. The delay in reaching her, as cited by her family, has led them to accuse the authorities of serious negligence, asserting that had they acted more swiftly, Marins might have survived.

"If they had reached her within the estimated seven-hour window, Juliana would still be alive," her sister, Mariana Marins, stated in an interview with Brazilian media. The family has vowed to seek justice, expressing their discontent over the rescue team's response time.

In light of the harrowing circumstances, Alexandre Pato, who played for Chelsea in 2016 and is now a sports commentator, reached out to the Marins family shortly after the incident. He offered to cover the costs associated with repatriating Juliana's body back to Brazil, an expense the family estimates to be around BRL 100,000 (approximately £13,000).

"I felt it was something I could do to try and lighten Juliana's family's load in such a tragic circumstance," Pato explained in a statement. While it remains unclear whether the family has accepted his financial assistance, the gesture has been widely noted as a compassionate response from an athlete in a time of deep sorrow.

Juliana Marins was well-known on social media for her vibrant personality and love of adventure. In a video shared prior to her hike, she and a friend joyfully discussed their excitement for the journey. "The view is amazing," her friend commented, to which Juliana replied, "Yeah, we did it for the view, so I’m glad."

This tragic incident has not only sparked discussions about the safety measures in place for hikers on Mount Rinjani but has also highlighted the need for better emergency response protocols in Indonesia. Dr. Anita Supriyadi, a professor of environmental science at the University of Indonesia, noted that the region's challenging terrain and climatic conditions necessitate robust rescue capabilities. "In such extreme environments, timely and effective rescue operations are crucial to minimizing loss of life," she stated in a recent publication.

As the Marins family navigates their grief, their call for accountability and improved safety measures serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany adventure tourism. The incident has drawn international attention, prompting discussions among travel safety advocates and regulatory bodies about the implementation of stricter guidelines for hiking in high-risk areas.

In conclusion, the tragedy surrounding Juliana Marins' death not only underscores the inherent dangers of mountaineering but also the importance of swift rescue operations in saving lives. Alexandre Pato’s willingness to assist in the aftermath of this tragedy highlights the human capacity for empathy and support in times of crisis. As the family continues to seek justice, the hope is that their experience will lead to reforms that enhance the safety of hikers in Indonesia and beyond.