A 15-year-old figure skating star has died in a horrific accident. Young athlete Matilda Ferrari was allegedly struck down by a cement truck on Monday morning, while crossing a road on her way to school. The teenager was near her home in the Trentino area, Italy, when the tragic incident took place. Police are continuing to investigate the situation. The driver was allegedly going through a green light at the time of the incident, according to Italian news outlet La Stampa. The child was reportedly hit while she was crossing State Road 239.
Matilda was on her way to the bus stop, it is understood. Emergency services quickly attended the scene of the crash, but sadly the girl was pronounced dead due to severe injuries. A rescue team was deployed via a helicopter, along with local doctors and firefighters. Her parents also rushed to her side.
Despite their best efforts to save the figure skater, she succumbed to her injuries.
The rising star was a prominent figure in her village of Giustino, located in northern Italy. Heartfelt tributes have since poured in, with the local mayor, Manuel Cosi, expressing his condolences.
“We are shocked… Giustino has lost a star,” he said.
Since the tragic news broke, Matilda’s classmates are being offered psychological support.
The figure skater developed her athletic talents at the Sporting Ghiaccio Pinzolo Artistico e Ritmico sports club.
Massimo Caola, president of the local Sporting Ghiaccio Pinzolo association, said: “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.”