Quick Read
- Vivian Spohr, wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, is under investigation for a fatal car accident in Sardinia.
- The accident claimed the life of 24-year-old Gaia Costa, who was struck at a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Spohr expressed deep sorrow and pledged full cooperation with Italian judicial authorities.
- Authorities are investigating potential driver distraction, and security camera footage is being reviewed.
- The case has drawn international attention due to Spohr’s high-profile status and the tragedy’s impact.
Vivian Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, is currently under investigation for negligent homicide following a tragic car accident in Sardinia, Italy. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, has drawn widespread attention due to its devastating consequences and the high-profile nature of those involved.
The Tragic Accident in Porto Cervo
On the evening of July 8, 2025, 24-year-old Gaia Costa was fatally struck by an SUV allegedly driven by Vivian Spohr in Porto Cervo, a luxury seaside resort in northern Sardinia’s Gallura region. According to reports from Hindustan Times, Costa had been crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk when the collision occurred. The young woman, a resident of Tempio Pausania, sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations revealed that Spohr had briefly driven away from the scene, reportedly unaware of the collision until alerted by passers-by. Italian authorities are now examining whether distraction, potentially due to cell phone usage, may have played a role in the accident, as noted by Italien News and CBS News. Tests conducted shortly after the incident confirmed that Spohr was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Reaction and Statements from Vivian Spohr
On Friday, July 11, 2025, Vivian Spohr issued a public statement through her Italian lawyer, Angelo Merlini, expressing profound regret and sorrow. She described the incident as a “grave accident” that had caused immense pain to the victim’s family, the town of Tempio Pausania, and the entire Gallura community. Spohr pledged her full cooperation with the Italian judicial system and acknowledged the “unimaginable loss” suffered by Costa’s family. According to DW, she also vowed to take steps to mitigate the consequences of the tragedy, although specific measures remain unclear at this stage.
Spohr, a 51-year-old German businesswoman, had been staying at her family’s vacation home in Sardinia at the time of the accident. She returned to Germany shortly afterward. In addition to her role as the wife of Lufthansa’s CEO, Vivian Spohr is known for her philanthropic work as the patron of Help Alliance, a charity supported by Lufthansa employees.
Legal and Community Implications
The Italian authorities have launched a formal investigation into the accident, focusing on potential negligence. Security camera footage from the area is expected to provide crucial evidence in determining the sequence of events leading up to the collision. According to CBS News, the charge of negligent homicide carries significant legal consequences in Italy, though the exact penalties will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
The tragic death of Gaia Costa has left her family and the local community in mourning. Antonello Desini, the Costa family’s lawyer, urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time of grief. The incident has also raised broader questions about road safety and driver accountability in tourist-heavy regions like Sardinia.
A High-Profile Case
The involvement of Vivian Spohr, married to one of Germany’s most prominent business leaders, has brought international attention to the case. Carsten Spohr has served as the CEO of Lufthansa, one of Europe’s largest airlines, since 2014. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, employing over 100,000 people and reporting $1.5 billion in profits last year, according to Forbes. The family’s prominent status has amplified public scrutiny of the incident and its aftermath.
While Vivian Spohr has expressed deep sorrow and a willingness to cooperate with authorities, the legal and moral dimensions of the case will likely continue to unfold in the weeks and months ahead. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of road accidents, regardless of one’s social or economic standing.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the world watches closely as justice takes its course in this deeply saddening case.