PORTO CERVO, SARDINIA — New details and photos have emerged from the tragic car crash in which Vivian Alexandra Spohr, wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, fatally struck a 24-year-old woman at a pedestrian crossing. The incident took place Tuesday in the upscale Italian resort town of Porto Cervo, where the Spohr family was vacationing.
Gaia Costa, a babysitter, was crossing the road on a zebra crossing when the black SUV driven by Spohr hit her. Costa sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene despite emergency efforts.
Scene Captured Moments After the Crash
Graphic images taken in the aftermath show Costa’s body lying on the asphalt, covered with a white sheet, next to the dark SUV involved in the collision. Several emergency vehicles can be seen nearby, and bystanders are shown standing in shock.
Initial reports claimed that Spohr was unaware she had struck someone until a passerby stopped her vehicle. However, lawyers now dispute that timeline, insisting she was aware of the crash and attempted to help.
Lawyer Says Spohr Tried to Save Victim
Angelo Merlini, attorney for Ms Spohr, issued a detailed statement on Saturday, challenging early media narratives. He stated that Spohr did, in fact, stop immediately and made an attempt to resuscitate Costa before fainting from shock.
“Contrary to what was previously reported, Vivian Spohr stopped after the accident and provided first aid to the girl,” Merlini said. “However, after an initial attempt at resuscitation, she lost consciousness.”
One eyewitness supported this account, saying that Spohr stepped out of the vehicle, saw Costa on the ground, and collapsed to the pavement in distress. The SUV, reportedly equipped with automatic transmission, struck Costa at what lawyers describe as a “very low speed.”
Spohr Leaves Sardinia Amid Investigation
Spohr has since returned to Munich, leaving Sardinia shortly after the accident. Despite returning home, her legal team confirmed that Italian prosecutors have officially registered her as a suspect, and she has pledged full cooperation.
“She is in a state of dismay and grief,” read a statement from her lawyers on Friday. “The woman has placed herself completely at the disposal of the judicial authorities and, while aware that such a great personal loss cannot be remedied, will take steps to mitigate the consequences.”
Spohr’s legal team emphasized that she is willing to face any legal scrutiny and “fully accepts responsibility.” However, the nature of the potential charges remains unclear as investigators continue to assess the cause and circumstances of the crash.
Victim Identified as Local Babysitter
Gaia Costa, the victim, had been working in Porto Cervo as a babysitter. She was crossing the road legally at the marked zebra crossing when the SUV hit her. Italian daily La Repubblica confirmed that she was still alive when emergency responders arrived, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the quiet seaside town, which is typically a retreat for European elites. Friends and family described Costa as a bright, kind-hearted young woman who had been working to support herself and her loved ones.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Legal Process
The case has sparked public debate across Italy and Germany due to the high-profile nature of those involved. As the wife of one of Europe’s most powerful airline executives, Spohr’s every move is under intense scrutiny.
While there’s no evidence so far of speeding or intoxication, the local prosecutor, Milena Aucone, continues to examine whether driver negligence or mechanical failure contributed to the crash. Italian authorities have not yet filed formal charges, but Spohr’s cooperation may impact the legal outcome.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Gaia Costa, a young woman whose life ended far too soon — and on seeking accountability, regardless of social status.
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