Two influencers tragically lost their lives after reportedly refusing to wear life jackets, choosing to prioritize their appearance for social media over their safety. The incident took place in the Iguazu River, sparking discussions about the dangers of social media-driven behavior.

The tragic event occurred in the Devil’s Throat area of the Iguazu River, where Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, were on an overcrowded speedboat. The boat, meant for five passengers, was carrying six. Despite warnings from the captain about dangerous conditions, the influencers allegedly chose not to wear life jackets, concerned it would ruin their selfies and tans.

The boat capsized in the rough waters, and the decision not to wear life jackets led to their deaths. Amorim’s body was found days later on Itaquitanduva Beach, while Faria’s body was recovered soon after.

One passenger, Vanessa Audrey da Silva, survived the incident because she wore a life jacket. She clung to a rock until help arrived and shared her experience. “At one point, no one could see anyone,” she said, highlighting the severity of the situation. Her choice to follow safety precautions likely saved her life.

This incident raises concerns about the lengths some will go to for social media. Both influencers had posted pictures of themselves at a yacht party just hours before the boat capsized, showing their focus on documenting the moment for their followers.

Sadly, this is not the first tragedy linked to social media. Earlier this year, a Chinese influencer, Huang Lihong, fell to her death while trying to take a selfie near the Ijen volcano. Another incident involved a British influencer in Spain, who died while climbing a bridge to create content.

Studies show that “selfie deaths” are becoming a global issue, with many fatalities caused by risky behavior for photos. Experts are calling for better safety measures at high-risk locations. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of social media and the need to prioritize safety.