Family of Deceased Hiker Accuse Rescuers of 'Negligence'

The family of Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins, who was found dead on June 24 after falling into an active volcano last weekend, have accused the rescue team of “negligence” and vowed to “seek justice” for their late family member, according to statements obtained by TV Globo.

On June 21, 26-year-old Marins fell into an active volcano on the Indonesian island of Lombok. After several unsuccessful attempts to rescue a live Marins from the volcano, officials announced on June 24 that they had discovered her body. "After four days of work, made difficult by adverse weather, ground and visibility conditions in the region, teams from the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency found the body of the Brazilian tourist," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil explained. "The Brazilian government extends its condolences to the family and friends of the Brazilian tourist for the immense loss caused by this tragic accident."

Related: Rescue Efforts Ongoing for Hiker Trapped in Active Volcano

On June 25, Marins’ family released a heartbreaking statement in which they accused rescuers of “negligence” and placed the blame for Marins’ death at their feet. "Juliana suffered great negligence on the part of the rescue team,” the family claimed. “If the team had reached her within the estimated time of seven hours, Juliana would still be alive. Juliana deserved much more! Now we are going to seek justice for her, because that is what she deserves! Don't give up on Juliana!"

According to local outlet Folha, Marins’ father, Manoel, identified her body. “The Brazilian government, which we’ve tried to contact, is also not helping us,” Marins told TV Globo earlier this week.. “This is very sad and extremely serious. She is a 26-year-old girl, a Brazilian citizen, and no one—except family and friends—seems to care.”

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.