Omiš mourns Dragana, laid to rest in hometown after wildfire death

The community of Omiš mourned the tragic loss of 34-year-old Dragana Antešević, who died in a devastating wildfire that swept through the Omiš area on August 13. She was laid to rest in her native Kotor Varoš, with family, relatives, friends, neighbors, and many locals gathering to pay their respects. Notably, representatives from the Croatian city of Omiš, where Dragana had relocated for work and tragically lost her life while attempting to escape the flames, also attended the funeral. In a gesture of solidarity and shared grief, the Vice President of the Omiš City Council and a member of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) from Omiš were present. HGSS members had also participated in the search for Dragana in the burned areas. These individuals, who requested anonymity, emphasized that their presence was not about individual recognition but about showing support to Dragana's family during their immense pain. They laid a large wreath from the citizens of Omiš on her grave, inscribed with the poignant message: 'May the angels protect you.' Dragana's fate deeply affected residents of Omiš, many of whom had followed the search efforts with hope for a different outcome. She is currently the sole fatality of the catastrophic fire that impacted the Omiš region, though several individuals sustained severe injuries and are recovering. A memorial mass for Dragana will be held in Omiš. As the community grieves, there is a somber hope that her passing will be the only death resulting from this disaster.