Figure Skating Star Dies after she was struck by … See more
Val Rendena is wrapped in a silence that feels heavier than the mountain air itself. On Monday morning, 15-year-old Matilda Ferrari — a bright student and promising figure skater — lost her life in a road accident that has shaken the entire Trentino region. What began as an ordinary school day ended in devastation, leaving a small, close-knit community grappling with grief that feels both sudden and unbearable.
Matilda was crossing State Road 239 near her home on her way to catch the bus for school when she was struck by a cement mixer. The vehicle, owned by Cunaccia Construction, reportedly collided with her while she was in a marked crosswalk. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to fully reconstruct the events leading up to the impact. While preliminary reports suggest the driver may have had a green light, officials stress that many factors must still be examined before conclusions are drawn.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. Paramedics, firefighters, and medical personnel worked urgently, and an air ambulance helicopter was dispatched in a desperate effort to save her. Despite their attempts, Matilda was pronounced dead at the scene. Her parents arrived shortly afterward, facing the unimaginable reality that no family is ever prepared to endure. The truck driver, according to reports, is receiving medical care for shock as investigators continue gathering statements and evidence.
Beyond the tragedy itself, Matilda was known throughout the region as a dedicated and talented figure skater. Coaches described her as disciplined, focused, and deeply committed to her training. She balanced early morning practices, school responsibilities, and competitions with remarkable maturity. On the ice, she was graceful and determined; off the ice, friends remember her as kind, thoughtful, and quietly ambitious about her future.
Her loss resonates far beyond her immediate family. Teammates from her skating club have expressed heartbreak at losing not just a competitor, but a friend who inspired others through her work ethic and warmth. Classmates are struggling with the sudden absence of someone who just days earlier had been sharing laughs and plans for upcoming exams and events. In a small town, every loss feels personal — but the death of a young person cuts especially deep.
In the hours following the accident, tributes began to appear online and at the site of the collision. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now mark the crosswalk where the tragedy occurred. School officials have made counseling services available to students and staff, acknowledging the emotional toll such a loss brings. Community leaders have issued statements of condolence, emphasizing unity and support for the Ferrari family during this painful time.
As authorities continue their investigation, many residents are left reflecting on the fragility of daily routines. A familiar road, a usual walk, a normal morning — all transformed in an instant. For now, Val Rendena mourns not just the circumstances of an accident, but the loss of a young life filled with promise. Matilda Ferrari will be remembered not only for how her life ended, but for how she lived — with grace, dedication, and dreams that once shimmered brightly on the ice.
