A 35-year-old U.S. woman, identified by the last name Bapeistie, drowned after being swept away by a powerful flash-flood torrent in Leona Waterfall, located in Curubandé District in Guanacaste Province, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization, known as the OIJ.

According to authorities, the incident began Saturday around noon, when the Red Cross received an emergency call about a group of six tourists, including Bapeistie, who were at the waterfall when a huge torrent of flash-flood water suddenly rushed down the river and swept the group away.

Five of the tourists caught in the river’s current managed to swim to safety, according to authorities. However, Bapeistie was carried a long distance by the powerful current. The people who were with her tried to rescue her, but the strong flow of water caused her to disappear into the river.

The Red Cross dispatched several units of rescue specialists trained to operate in mountainous areas just minutes after receiving the emergency alert. However, the American tourist’s body was not found until Sunday at 10 a.m.

Paramedics coordinated with local police and OIJ investigators in handling the case.

Judicial investigators responded to the scene and coordinated the transfer of Bapeistie’s remains to the OIJ forensic morgue in Heredia Province. A forensic autopsy was conducted to determine the official cause of death.

Initial information about the emergency indicated that the group of tourists was inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park. However, the National System of Conservation Areas, known as SINAC, determined that the fatal accident did not occur within the park’s boundaries.

Authorities from the National Emergency Commission, known as the CNE, had issued a weather alert warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected across much of Costa Rica during the weekend.

The U.S. Embassy recently issued a notice urging American citizens visiting Costa Rica to take extra precautions during the country’s rainy season, warning that changing weather conditions can create significant safety risks.

U.S. authorities provide guidance and assistance to families of American citizens who die abroad. Services vary depending on whether relatives are traveling with the deceased and whether the individual was visiting or residing in the country.

“The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States,” the embassy states on its website. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy notes that it does not pay for funeral, burial or repatriation expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements. Embassy personnel can assist by coordinating with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For additional information, the U.S. Embassy can be reached at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

SINAC is the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.

OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations throughout the country. Its officers have nationwide police authority.

The CNE works in partnership with communities and emergency responders to strengthen the nation’s preparedness, response and recovery from natural hazards.

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Have you heard of other cases involving U.S. citizens who died in flash floods in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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