UFRO student dies in rafting accident in Pucón

Marcelo Nicolás Fuentealba Chávez, a 34-year-old student at the Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO), died following a raft capsizing in the Liucura River near Pucón, Chile. The incident occurred during an academic activity for the Adventure Tourism Guide Technician program.

The group involved included 14 students and four instructors. While most participants were rescued, Fuentealba was swept away by the current and found approximately one kilometer downstream. Despite resuscitation efforts by emergency personnel, including SAMU and firefighters, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Pucón Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation to determine if there was negligence by instructors, guides, or the university, and to verify if safety protocols and municipal regulations were followed. In response, the Universidad de La Frontera has initiated an administrative inquiry and an internal audit to review safety procedures. Three other students were injured during the accident and received medical attention.