Italy is mourning the loss of 15-year-old figure skater Matilda Ferrari, who died in a tragic traffic accident while on her way to school. The accident happened in
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Matilda succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Early reports suggest the truck driver had a green light when she entered the roadway.
Matilda had been walking with two friends, headed to classes in Tione, as she did every school day. The stretch where the crash occurred is a busy regional artery and has seen previous close calls, raising concerns about student safety.
“It is a terrible tragedy that leaves us speechless. You can’t go to school in the morning and die like this,” said Giustino’s mayor, Manuel Cosi. His words echoed the grief and shock spreading through the small community.
Matilda was considered a rising star on the ice. A member of Sporting Ghiaccio Art Pinzolo, she trained almost daily and had recently overcome a knee injury to achieve remarkable progress. At the end of 2024, she placed
Her skating club shared a black-and-white photo, writing that they could not imagine the rink without her. Tributes soon poured in from across Italy and beyond. One mourner wrote, “What a terrible death, poor girl, may she rest in peace.” Others lamented the dangers of Italian roads.
Police have opened an investigation into the crash, examining mechanical issues and visibility. The site has long been seen as hazardous, and the tragedy has renewed debate about road safety for students.
Friends, teachers, and neighbors remember Matilda as bright, disciplined, and full of dreams. Her sudden death leaves a deep void in Italian figure skating—and in the lives of everyone who knew her.
Aspiring figure skater, 15, killed after being hit by truck while waiting for school bus
A PROMISING 15-year-old figure skater has tragically died after being hit by a cement truck on her way to school.
Young star Matilda Ferrari was was crossing a road near her home in Italy when the huge vehicle mowed her down.
The horrifying crash unfolded in Val Rendena, Trentino, on Monday morning - and is still being probed by police.
The driver was allegedly going through a green light when they struck the child who was crossing the road, La Stampa reported.
Matilda was reportedly on her way to the bus stop to get to class when she was struck on State Road 239 in northern Italy.
Local media also said that medical services rushed to the scene of the collision.
A rescue team, who were deployed via helicopter, were also assisted by local doctors and firefighters.
But despite their efforts, the girl was tragically pronounced dead after suffering severe injuries.
Her devastated parents also rushed to the scene of the crash before learning the heartbreaking news.
The cement mixer truck belonged to the Cunaccia company, which is based in Strembo.
The beloved athlete was well known in the tight-knit village of Giustino.
The town's mayor, Manuel Cosi, expressed his grief and deep condolences following Matlida's death.
He said: "We are shocked... Giustino has lost a star."
Her school in Tione is providing psychological support to her classmates.
And the driver of the cement truck is currently being treated by doctors following the horrific collision.
Matilda attended the Sporting Ghiaccio Pinzolo Artistico e Ritmico sports club, where she developed her skills as a star athlete.
She devoted countless hours of her life honing her abilities, with social media pictures and videos showing her breathtaking performances and competitions.
Massimo Caola, president of the local Sporting Ghiaccio Pinzolo association, said in a touching tribute: "Matilda was a 15-year-old who nurtured the dream of one day participating in the Olympics.
"A dream that translated into the unwavering commitment she put in on the ice, demonstrating such grit, determination, and a desire to succeed, even when, as recently, she was sidelined by knee pain."
He added: "Despite this, she managed to reach the podium in her category.
"A talented skater who always had the support of her family."
