Italy is grieving the loss of 15-year-old figure skater Matilda Ferrari, who died after being struck by a cement truck while crossing the road to catch her school bus in Giustino, a town in the Trentino region of the Italian Alps. The tragic accident occurred during her usual walk with two friends to school in Tione. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Matilda died at the scene. Early reports indicate the truck had a green light, prompting police to investigate the circumstances, including visibility and possible mechanical issues. The location, a busy regional road, has a history of traffic concerns, raising urgent questions about student safety.

Matilda was a talented and dedicated athlete, training almost daily as a member of Sporting Ghiaccio Art Pinzolo. Despite a recent knee injury, she had made impressive strides and earned a podium finish in the 2024 Italian Cup final. Her skating club expressed deep sorrow, sharing a photo of her and saying they couldn’t imagine the ice rink without her. Across Italy, tributes flooded social media, with many mourning not only her untimely death but also the unsafe conditions young people face during daily commutes. Public officials, including Giustino’s mayor, voiced heartbreak and called for improvements to road safety infrastructure.

Remembered as bright, disciplined, and full of ambition, Matilda’s sudden death has left a profound impact on her community and the national figure skating scene. Friends, teachers, and neighbors recall a young girl who was not only dedicated to her sport but also full of kindness and promise. Her passing has sparked renewed debate about traffic safety measures for school zones, especially in high-risk areas. The investigation into the accident continues, as Italy mourns a rising star lost far too soon.