Vivian Alexandra Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr, is under investigation for involuntary vehicular homicide after hitting and killing 24‑year‑old Gaia Costa on a zebra crossing in the tourist resort Italian town of Porto Cervo.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, at around 1 pm on Via Aga Khan, a low-traffic street in the town of Porto Cervo.
Witnesses and CCTV footage confirmed that Costa raised her arm to signal the approaching BMW X5, but the vehicle kept moving and hit her, according to L'Unione Sarda.
Bystanders blocked Spohr's path to stop the car; she is reported to have fainted in shock soon after exiting the vehicle. Paramedics attended to Gaia at the scene, but she succumbed to severe head injuries after around 20 minutes.
'Dismay and Deep Sorrow'
Italian prosecutors have opened a formal inquiry into negligent homicide under traffic laws. Spohr, 51, underwent breathalyser and toxicology tests that returned negative for alcohol and drugs.
Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage and examining mobile phone data to determine whether she was distracted at the time.
Spohr returned to Germany shortly after the incident; she was not legally obliged to remain in Italy. Her legal representative, Angelo Merlini, told La Repubblica:
'Vivian Spohr, involved in the tragic death of the very young Gaia Costa, expresses her shock and profound sorrow for this severe incident. And while she understands that such a great personal loss cannot be repaired, she will take steps to mitigate the consequences.'
Meanwhile, the Costa family's lawyer, Antonello Desini, said they are 'destroyed' and 'have the utmost confidence in the work of the Tempio public prosecutor's office,' who will oversee the case.
Costa's father, Alfredo, is reportedly a prominent trade-union official with the Confederazione Italiana Sindacati Lavoratori in Gallura.
High‑Profile Investigation
Press attention has intensified due toSpohr's status and her high-net-worth background. Her husband, Carsten Spohr, has served as Lufthansa's CEO since 2014. He reportedly earned around €5.6 million in 2023 and €6.2 million in 2024.
CCTV footage has captured the moments leading up to the accident involving Costa and the BMW X5.
Investigators are reviewing these recordings to determine if the driver, Spohr, was using her mobile phone at the time—a factor that could influence the severity of charges.
An autopsy on Costa's body is to be conducted by forensic pathologist Salvatore Lorenzoni on Monday, 14 July. The Costa family has appointed their medical expert, Francesco Serra, to observe the procedure. The results are expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of death and inform prosecutorial decisions.
Broader Impact
The accident has reignited media discussions in Italy about luxury tourism and concerns over whether wealthy or high-profile visitors might receive preferential legal treatment.
Even as the public debate continues, there is currently no evidence that Spohr has been granted any special privileges in the ongoing investigation.
Italian authorities, mindful of the cross-border nature of the case, are expected to utilise established mutual legal assistance agreements with Germany to ensure Spohr's cooperation throughout the investigation.
Such legal frameworks are standard procedure within the EU to facilitate cooperation in criminal matters involving foreign nationals.
What Happens Next?
Italian prosecutors await autopsy findings, CCTV and phone-record analyses before deciding on potential charges.
If found guilty, Spohr could face criminal penalties under Italy's laws on negligent driving homicide, potentially including fines or prison time. The case will likely enter an extended negotiation or trial phase.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
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