Chiapas Tourism Undersecretary Falls into Sumidero Canyon

The Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation following the rescue of a woman who fell approximately 35 meters into the Sumidero Canyon, into the Grijalva River.

The woman was identified as Zita Rousarova Hegrova, originally from the Czech Republic and the Undersecretary of Tourism for the state of Chiapas.

The incident occurred last Tuesday morning around 10:00 a.m., near the bridge located in the municipality of Chiapa de Corzo. According to local residents and social media posts, the woman was seen in the river crying for help.

A local resident arrived at the scene aboard a boat and managed to rescue her before she drowned.

After the rescue, the woman was treated by members of the Aquatic Rescue and Operations Unit and transported by Civil Protection ambulance to the Gilberto Gómez Maza Public Hospital, where she remains under medical care.

So far, authorities have not confirmed whether it was an accident or a suicide attempt. In an interview, prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca said that the victim has not yet made a statement because she is still recovering.

“An investigation has begun. We have not yet been able to obtain a statement from the person receiving medical attention. I understand that her health is stable, according to the latest medical report,” Llaven Abarca said.

The prosecutor indicated that for now, there is no further information beyond the testimony posted on social media, which indicates that the official was seen in the river by people near the bridge and that she was rescued by a boatman.

The Czech-born Undersecretary of Tourism has recently been at the center of controversy after images of her during trips to Cancún and Monterrey, one of which was allegedly made on a private jet, went viral on social media. Users criticized the trips as contrasting with the austerity policies promoted by the state and federal governments.

Since her appointment, Rousarova has also faced criticism for her limited Spanish language skills and experience in the position. Despite this, she held a prominent position promoting tourism in Chiapas.

The causes of the incident have not yet been clarified, and it is expected that, in the coming days, as her health condition evolves, the official will be able to offer an official statement.