A tragic event unfolded during the Open Roldanillo 2025 event when Paulina Pala Biskup, a 38-year-old tourist from Poland, lost her life after falling from her parapente near Aguapanela, known for its ideal conditions for this extreme sport. The shocking incident, captured on video by bystanders, has not only stirred the community but has raised significant concerns about the safety measures surrounding such activities.
Initially misidentified as Turkish, Biskup was later confirmed to be from Poland and had reportedly been enthusiastic about parapente, frequently sharing her adventures on social media. This was not her first time flying in Colombia, as she had visited the area previously to practice her passion. The incident occurred on January 21, when shortly after takeoff, she lost control of her parapente.
Jeison Fabián Pineda, president of the Club de Vuelo Libre de Roldanillo, indicated the possible reasons for the accident. He suggested, "Probablemente, la piloto omitió y olvidó alguno de sus pasos del protocolo del chequeo..." which translates to 'The pilot likely omitted and forgot some steps of the checklist protocol...'. This implies Biskup may not have properly secured her equipment before launch, which could have been catastrophic during her flight.
Witnesses of the event shared their horror as they saw the parachute twisting and her body plummeting to the ground. Despite favorable weather conditions for flying reported by the event organizers, the video spreading across social media highlighted the tragic outcome of what should have been an exhilarating experience.
Local search and rescue teams retrieved Biskup’s body, which has since been taken to the judicial morgue for proceedings to identify her and contact her family. While her boyfriend and friends witnessed the event, they remained present at the site, processing their grief amid the stress of the situation.
This event marks not only the tragedy of losing Biskup but also raises alarms about the safety of extreme sports. Another incident occurred during the same event involving Tiberius Vasile, a Romanian tourist who experienced serious but non-fatal injuries after losing control of his parapente, leading to concerns over safety protocols and regulations.
Following these incidents, local authorities, including Álvaro Cifuentes, the secretary of Government of Roldanillo, emphasized the necessity for improved safety measures, stating, "Este tipo de incidentes, aunque no son frecuentes, nos recuerda la importancia de extremar las medidas de seguridad," meaning 'These types of incidents, though infrequent, remind us of the importance of reinforcing safety measures.'
Roldanillo, known as the world capital of parapente, attracts enthusiasts from around the globe to its stunning mountainous landscapes. While events like Open Roldanillo, which gathers pilots from various countries, shine light on the beauty of this sport, it is episodes like Biskup's death—prompting calls for stricter safety regulations and awareness—that cannot be overlooked.
Biskup's story resonates as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially when participating in high-risk activities like parapente. Her academic achievements and her affinity for extreme sports paint the picture of someone devoted to exploring the sky, yet it concludes with tragedy—a stark juxtaposition to the thrill one seeks through such adventures.
Authorities are currently discussing the need for comprehensive safety protocols and training to sustain the wellbeing of those who partake. They have initiated plans for the development of new regulations, enhancing training for clubs, and making efforts to mitigate risks associated with parapente.
The local community reflects on the sorrowful event, mourning not only the loss of life but also contemplating how to safeguard future enthusiasts. Safety, passion, and adventure should go hand-in-hand, and it is only through vigilant practice and respect for procedural integrity can such tragedies be prevented from recurring.
Moving forward, Roldanillo must balance its thrilling appeal to adventure seekers with the responsibility of ensuring their safety or risk facing the terrible consequences of negligence.