A 33-year-old dance instructor died after being struck by a boat propeller during a collision on Lake Como in Italy on July 12, 2025. Julina de Lannoy, originally from Aruba, was enjoying a boat trip with six friends when the fatal accident occurred around 4:00 PM.
The group had rented a vessel and were cruising at a leisurely pace when another boat, operated by a 44-year-old local man, collided with them head-on. The impact threw de Lannoy into the water, where she sustained severe leg injuries from the propeller of one of the boats involved in the crash.
Emergency responders rushed to a nearby dock where they attempted to resuscitate de Lannoy before transferring her to paramedics. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but doctors were unable to save her life. The operator of the other boat was also hospitalized and administered a breathalyzer test, remaining under observation as of July 13.
Police have seized both vessels and launched an investigation to determine whether a maneuvering error caused the fatal collision. Authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances that led to the accident on the popular Italian lake.
Local residents have expressed concerns about increased boat traffic on Lake Como this summer, with many noting it has been the busiest season yet. The lake, located in the Lombardy region, attracts approximately 1.4 million visitors annually, raising concerns about the heightened risk of boating accidents.
De Lannoy had been living in Brussels, Belgium, where she held a senior position at a department store. She began her career as a dance instructor in 2020, initially teaching twerk classes in Luxembourg before expanding her reach across Europe.
In 2022, she founded Caribbean Twerk Brussels, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the European dance community. Her classes and performances gained popularity in Belgium and Amsterdam, where she built a substantial following through her energetic teaching style and regular performances.
Before relocating to Europe, de Lannoy worked in Aruba for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, a leadership organization serving young women aged 11 to 20. Her involvement with the organization reflected her commitment to mentoring and supporting young people in her community.
A spokesperson for the organization remembered de Lannoy’s impact on those around her, stating that “her joy was contagious, and her presence was a gift.” The spokesperson emphasized that de Lannoy embodied values of love, service, and sisterhood throughout her work with the organization.
De Lannoy is survived by her mother, Lisa, and her sister, Kiana. Friends who witnessed the accident confirmed that their boat was moving slowly when the collision occurred, contradicting any suggestion of reckless operation on their part.
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns about recreational boating on popular tourist destinations like Lake Como. The increased volume of boat traffic during peak summer months has created challenging conditions for both experienced and novice operators navigating the busy waterways.
Italian authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Both boats remain impounded as investigators work to determine the cause of the accident and whether any charges will be filed against the operator of the second vessel.
The dance community across Europe has mourned the loss of de Lannoy, who had established herself as a respected instructor and performer. Her work promoting Caribbean dance culture through her classes and performances had gained recognition in multiple countries, making her death a significant loss for the artistic community she served.
