Lufthansa CEO’s wife runs over and kills woman in Italy, expresses ‘deep sorrow’
Vivian Spohr, wife of Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa, fatally struck a young woman with her car in Sardinia before returning to Germany. Spohr, 51, was behind the wheel of her SUV as she hit Gaia Costa, 24, who was attempting to cross the road. She was using a zebra crossing in Porto Cervo, a commune in Sardinia, Italy, as reported by Daily Mail. CCTV footage shows that Costa attempted to cross the street before she noticed the SUV approaching her, which she tried to stop with a wave of her hand. But the car knocked her to the ground, leaving her severely injured.Paramedics arrived at the site quickly and spent over 20 minutes trying to revive her, but she succumbed to her injuries. Spohr was driving alongside her daughter, and initially did not take note of the accident that had happened until a passerby stopped her. She fainted when she realized how gravely Gaia was injured, as per the local L’Unione Sarda. Spohr underwent alcohol and drug tests subsequently, but they were negative. Spohr has now placed herself “at the complete disposal of the Italian judicial authorities for the necessary investigations and, while aware that such a great personal loss cannot be repaired, will take steps to mitigate its consequences,” as per a statement released by her Italian lawyer. Through the statement, Spohr expressed “dismay and deep sorrow for this grave accident, which has devastated a family, the town of Tempio, and the entire community of Gallura.”Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, and prosecutor Milena Aucone was listing her as a suspect in the case. Spohr returned to Munich shortly after the incident. The car is under technical investigation, and Gaia’s body was examined on Wednesday.“Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the city’s social and cultural life. She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group,” said mayor Gianni Addis.
