Intense, overwhelming love has turned to deep sorrow for Veronica Culcasi, the girlfriend of motorcycle racer and YouTuber Luca Salvadori, who tragically lost his life on September 14 during a race. Remembered for both his talent and kindness, Salvadori's passing has left Veronica grappling with the loss.
Veronica spoke to the Corriere della Sera, reflecting on their relationship and the pain of losing someone who was not just her boyfriend but also her companion. "He had named his motorcycle, the Panigale V4, after me, treating it like a jewel. He never wanted to let it get even a scratch," she recalls, highlighting his gentleness even as he engaged in high-risk racing.
Describing Luca, Veronica said, "He was determined, cultured, and humble. He told me: distinguish the person from the character." This insight captures the essence of Luca, who, though celebrated for his racing skills, was incredibly sweet and caring behind the scenes.
Veronica and Luca's love story developed quickly. "I wasn't looking for a relationship, but by our second date, I thought: this is going to end badly because I was falling for him," she admitted, reflecting on their bond. Their last conversation the night before his final race is etched vividly in her memory. She recalls him being cheerful after eating his usual canned tuna and promising to drive carefully: "He wasn't chasing podiums; he just wanted to enjoy himself." Unfortunately, fate intervened, and the cheerful moments were cut short.
On the day of the accident, Veronica had not been able to attend the race. "I was more anxious than usual. When I learned about the accident, it felt like the world collapsed around me," she said. Their connection was so deep, she felt something was wrong even before the news reached her. "That afternoon, I started feeling cold chills and nausea. I had to leave my lunch with my friend because something felt off. I rushed home, intending to look at our intimate moments on video, but then the call came."
Following the accident, the heaviness of grief continues to weigh on Veronica. "I never imagined I'd have to live without him. It feels surreal and painful. He would have wanted me to keep living, but the thought of being with someone else makes me sick," she shared.
Over the last few months, she has found herself oscillated between anger at the circumstances and gratitude for their shared times. Her memories of Luca are filled with joy, but they are marred by his absence. She reflects on their hopeful future: "Before meeting him, I had never pictured myself as a mother. With him, the thought blossomed. Now, the idea of sharing those dreams with someone else feels impossible."
Veronica is adamant about not living solely with memories of the past. "He once said: the only thing we have are the moments. I hope to find a way to not live just for the past, but it is incredibly difficult," she confesses. Despite this, she feels he is still with her. "I often dream of him, and he smiles at me as if to say: I'm still here."
The emotional weight has permeated all aspects of her life, and as she navigates through grief, she clings to the bright memories of Luca's kindness and the time they shared together. She strives to process her pain and channel her love for him as she moves forward, hoping he is proud of her endeavors. "I hope he has seen me and is proud of who I am today," Veronica concluded, using her sorrow as strength to help her heal from this unimaginable loss.
