Wife of Lufthansa CEO faces investigation after fatal car accident
- Vivian Spohr was driving an SUV in Sardinia when she struck 24-year-old Gaia Costa at a pedestrian crossing.
- Witnesses reported that Costa signaled for the vehicle to stop before being hit and died at the scene.
- Authorities are investigating the incident for potential road homicide charges while Spohr expressed deep sorrow for the victim's family.
In Italy, a tragic incident occurred involving a fatal car accident involving Vivian Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr. The event took place on July 14, 2025, when Spohr was driving her BMW X5 SUV with her daughter as a passenger in the upscale resort town of Porto Cervo, Sardinia. During this time, 24-year-old Gaia Costa, a local babysitter, was walking across a pedestrian crossing when she was struck by the vehicle. Witnesses reported that Costa had extended her arm to signal the driver to stop; however, the vehicle accelerated, resulting in the severe collision. Emergency services attempted to revive Costa for approximately 20 minutes, but she succumbed to severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the accident, local authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, particularly focusing on whether Spohr might have been distracted, potentially by her cell phone, at the time of the incident. Initial reports indicated that her alcohol and drug tests returned negative results. After the accident, it was revealed that Vivian Spohr had initially driven away from the scene but stopped when approached by bystanders. As investigations continued, Spohr expressed her remorse and sorrow for the tragic loss of Gaia Costa, stating she was at the complete disposal of the Italian judicial authorities for further inquiries. The Spohr family had been vacationing at their properties in Sardinia, and following the incident, they returned to Germany while under investigation for vehicular homicide. Costa's family, devastated by the loss, issued statements expressing their grief, describing themselves as 'destroyed' by the tragedy. The legal ripple effects of this incident may potentially lead to charges of involuntary manslaughter as authorities continue their investigations. The tragic death of Costa has undeniably impacted the local community in Tempio and the greater Gallura region, igniting conversations about road safety and responsibility behind the wheel. As the investigation unfolds, the family of Gaia Costa remains hopeful for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances of their daughter's passing, underscoring the incident's profound impact on those close to the victim. Vivian Spohr's acknowledgment of the gravity of the accident is coupled with her commitment to cooperating with legal authorities as they seek to understand the events leading up to the fatal collision.