Italian surfer Giulia Manfrini, 36, died last week after being impaled by a swordfish while surfing in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands.

The swordfish unexpectedly struck her in the chest. Despite efforts by witnesses and local doctors, Manfrini could not be saved.

Manfrini, a prominent surfer and co-founder of the travel company AWAVE, was described as passionate about surfing.

Her tragic death has shocked her hometown of Venaria, Italy, NBC News has reported.

Experts note that swordfish attacks on humans are rare but can be fatal due to the fish’s sharp, sword-like snout.

Written by B.C. Begley