Cosenza is grieving the sudden loss of Francesco Occhiuto, the son of senator Mario Occhiuto and nephew of Calabria's president, Roberto, who tragically died after falling from the eighth floor of his family home. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has left the city and the entire political community in shock.
Francesco Occhiuto, just 30 years old and studying psychology at the University of Parma, fell from the window of his apartment located on Viale Giacomo Mancini. His heart reportedly stopped beating around 6:30 AM the following day after efforts to save him proved unsuccessful. Medical professionals performed extracorporeal circulation procedures with equipment flown in from Lamezia Terme, but the injuries sustained from the fall were too severe.
Upon his arrival at the hospital, doctors immediately recognized the gravity of his condition. A subsequent CT scan revealed multiple traumas and lesions, prompting the medical team to discontinue life-support after several hours. Friends of Francesco have described him as "a model young man," reflecting the impact he had on those around him.
Following the incident, local authorities quickly mobilized, with the prosecutor's office launching an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the fall. Prosecutor Mariangela Farro has ordered an autopsy, which will be conducted by forensic doctor Silvio Berardo Cavalcanti.
News of Francesco's death spread rapidly throughout Cosenza, eliciting heartfelt condolences from various political figures. Regional president Roberto Occhiuto returned from Brussels immediately upon hearing the news, joined by the mayor of Cosenza, Franz Caruso, who along with other regional leaders expressed their sympathies.
The national political scene also reacted to the tragedy. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her condolences via social media, stating, "I want to express my deepest closeness to the entire family and to his loved ones during this time of great pain."
Antonio Tajani, the national secretary of Forza Italia and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also extended his condolences, calling Francesco's passing "a tragic loss." Messages of support came pouring in from across the political spectrum, including the Senate president Ignazio La Russa and the Speaker of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana, all emphasizing the shared sorrow felt at this heartbreaking event.
To honor Francesco and demonstrate the community's solidarity, Mayor Caruso announced city mourning for the duration of the following days. This decision aimed to tangibly reflect the community's grief and the local administration's support for the Occhiuto family.
The city will come together for Francesco's funeral this afternoon at 5:30 PM at the Parrocchia di Santa Maria Madre della Chiesa on Viale Cosmai, giving residents the chance to pay their respects. The communal mourning and cancellation of events, including the previously scheduled Forza Italia gathering and the regional council meeting, underlines the depth of the city’s collective mourning.
Francesco Occhiuto's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and has united Cosenza's community, highlighting the outpouring of love and grief for the young man who was seen as bright and promising.
This tragedy has not only affected the Occhiuto family but has sent ripples through the entire community and political sphere, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support during unimaginable times of loss.