The wife of Lufthansa’s CEO ran down and killed a young woman in Sardinia before flying home to Germany, according to reports.
Gaia Costa, 24, died after an SUV struck her as she attempted to cross the road at a zebra crossing in the Italian commune of Porto Cervo on Tuesday.
Vivian Alexandra Spohr, a 51-year-old top manager and wife of German aviation group Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, was reportedly driving the vehicle.
Ms Costa, a babysitter, was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene, La Repubblica reports.
Ms Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, according to the outlet.
She returned to Munich while prosecutor Milena Aucone was registering her as a suspect.
Ms Spohr’s lawyers said on Friday that she is at the disposal of Italian prosecutors and released a statement on her behalf.
‘Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident, the statement read.
Ms Spohr had been on holiday at her family’s vacation home when the tragedy occurred, according to local media.
Gaia Costa, 24, died after she was struck by a SUV as she attempted to cross a zebra crossing in Porto Cervo on Tuesday
Vivian Alexandra Spohr (right), a 51-year-old top manager and wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr (left), was reportedly behind the wheel of the vehicle
Ms Costa was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene within 20 minutes, La Repubblica reports. Pictured: Emergency services at the scene
The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia’s body was conducted on Wednesday. Pictured: Flowers left near the scene of the accident in Porto Cervo
CCTV reportedly captured Ms Costa crossing the street, before noticing an SUV approaching her.
She attempted to stop it with a wave of her hand but was knocked to the ground and banged her head.
An ambulance arrived at the scene quickly and paramedics spent more than 20 minutes trying to revive her.
According to ‘L’Unione Sarda,’ Spohr, who was driving alongside her daughter, initially didn’t notice the accident and was stopped by a passerby.
Spohr was so shocked when she saw the seriously injured woman that she fainted, the outlet reports.
She subsequently underwent alcohol and drug tests, but they were negative.
Ms Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, according to the outlet. Pictured: Carsten Spohr and Vivian Spohr
The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia’s body was conducted on Wednesday.
Mayor Gianni Addis said: ‘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.’
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