In a heartwarming gesture amidst a heartbreaking tragedy, Brazilian soccer star Alexandre Pato has reached out to the family of Juliana Marins, a young dancer who lost her life during a hike on Indonesia's Mount Rinjani. This unfortunate incident has sparked outrage regarding the rescue efforts, with Juliana's family accusing authorities of major negligence in their response.

The tragic events unfolded on June 21, 2025, when 26-year-old Juliana, who hailed from Niterói, Brazil, was climbing the 3,726-meter active volcano in Lombok, Indonesia, alongside a group of friends. In a devastating turn of events, she fell approximately 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) into a crater, which subsequently led to a desperate search and rescue operation. According to Indonesian Search and Rescue authorities, her body was discovered on June 24, four days after her fall, despite extensive efforts that involved drones, helicopters, and ground teams.

Juliana’s family has expressed their deep frustration and sorrow over what they describe as serious negligence on the part of the rescue team. They firmly believe that had help arrived within the estimated seven-hour window, Juliana might still be alive today. According to her sister Mariana, the guide accompanying their group abandoned Juliana when she became fatigued, further compounding an already tragic situation. Mariana stated, “If they had reached her within the estimated seven-hour window, Juliana would still be alive.”

In light of this tragedy, Alexandre Pato, 35, known for his stint at Chelsea in 2016, offered to assist Juliana's family in the logistical process of repatriating her body back to Brazil. Repatriation can be an expensive endeavor, with costs estimated around BRL 100,000 (approximately £13,000). On June 26, Pato reached out directly to Juliana's father to offer his help, seeking to alleviate some of the financial burden that the family now faces in the wake of their loss.

While it remains unclear if the family has accepted Pato's offer, his willingness to step in during such a difficult time has touched many hearts. Juliana was widely known for her vibrant personality and infectious spirit on social media. Just prior to her ill-fated hike, she shared a video with a friend where they joked about the views at the summit, showcasing her lively character. Her friend commented on the view, to which Juliana replied with a smile, “Yeah, we did it for the view, so I’m glad.”

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety during adventurous endeavors. As the family seeks justice for their beloved Juliana, Pato's gesture of support shines a light on the power of compassion in times of need.