American Tourist Drowns at Las Lajas Beach in Chiriquí Province Panama
According to preliminary information, the lady was on the beach enjoying the sun and the sea when the fatal incident occurred.
Chiriquí Panama: A woman of approximately 60 years of age, of American nationality, drowned this Monday at Las Lajas Beach, in the district of San Félix, located in the eastern sector of the province of Chiriquí. Las Lajas is generally known as a gentle wave beach versus Las Olas, also in Chiriquí, where we often hear of drowning deaths as the undertow is much more prevalent. Units from the Tourist Police and the Public Ministry arrived at the scene to carry out the corresponding procedures in order to determine how the incident occurred, as well as to proceed with the removal of the body. It should be noted that, until yesterday, the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) maintained a warning for strong waves on various coasts of the country, including in the Gulf of Chiriquí.
The American had been in the country as a tourist since the beginning of March with her 62 year old husband. She was identified as Tiffany Rau 61 years of age. Despite the resuscitation efforts of the emergency services, the tourist was declared dead at the scene. The incident was reported shortly after 12:30 pm, when National Police units patrolling the coastal area spotted a civilian providing first aid to a woman on the sand. Rescue teams were immediately contacted to respond to the emergency. Paramedics from SUME 911 arrived at the scene in an ambulance, along with firefighters from Panama. After multiple resuscitation attempts by the specialized personnel, the paramedics pronounced the woman dead, as she was no longer responding to CPR. Las Lajas Beach is one of the most popular destinations in the province of Chiriquí, and authorities reiterate the importance of following safety warnings in bathing areas.
