Tragedy struck the small community of Castelguelfo di Noceto, Parma, when Lorenzo Rovagnati, the 42-year-old CEO of the renowned Rovagnati Salumi, died in a helicopter crash on February 5, 2025. The tragic incident occurred shortly after the helicopter took off, with the aircraft crashing back down, claiming the lives of Rovagnati and the two pilots on board. The cause of the accident remains disputed, but early reports suggest weather conditions, particularly fog, may have played a significant role.
Lorenzo Rovagnati was not just known for his role at the helm of one of Italy’s most beloved salumi brands but also for his deep ties to his family and community. Married to Federica Sironi since June 1, 2019, the couple shared two children and were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third. Lorenzo was described by Mayor Fabio Fecci of Noceto as "a young man, happy and galvanized by the news of his upcoming child," illustrating both the personal joy and the unexpected tragedy of his passing.
The crash has left many shocked and heartbroken, with Mayor Fecci expressing the sentiments of the community: "It is a tremendous tragedy affecting all of us here." Fecci, who knew Lorenzo since childhood, emphasized the loss felt throughout Noceto as residents grappled with the untimely death of someone considered both capable and caring, who had participated actively in local initiatives.
Lorenzo and his brother Ferruccio were instrumental in continuing their family’s legacy at Rovagnati Salumi, founded by their father Paolo Rovagnati. The company, initially established for producing butter and cheese, shifted its focus to high-quality cured meats after Paolo took charge. This shift, particularly with the introduction of the famed Gran Biscotto prosciutto, helped propel the Rovagnati brand to monumental heights, boasting revenue exceeding €300 million and involving over 1,200 employees working across multiple countries.
Despite his high-profile business role, Lorenzo was known for his humility and deep-rooted commitment to social causes. Fabrizio Sala, a politician and friend described Lorenzo as someone who was more than just the heir to the family business: "With his passing, we lose not only the legacy of Rovagnati but also the heart of our community." This sentiment was echoed by many, particularly those who worked alongside him.
Much of Lorenzo's heartfelt dedication extended toward the community projects he supported, echoing through businesses like PizzAut, Italy’s first pizzeria run by individuals with autism. Two months prior to his tragic death, Lorenzo had provided significant support to PizzAut, enhancing work opportunities for local youth. Their heartfelt message expressed condolences and announced plans for moments of silence to honor him, signifying the deep connection he had forged with various facets of the community.
Investigations have begun, spearheaded by the local authorities and the National Agency for Flight Safety, focusing on the circumstances leading up to the crash. Reports indicated the helicopter was attempting to take off from the private heliport on the Rovagnati family estate when it met with trouble. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter take off before it abruptly changed course and crashed, leading to both speculation and concern about aircraft maintenance and pilot conditions.
With the crumbling of the Rovagnati family's dreams now hanging heavily over the community, discussions about Lorenzo's achievements continue to highlight the man behind the brand—a devoted father, husband, friend, and community leader. His family’s steadfast commitment and the love he shared with his wife, Federica, remain evident as they had actively participated together as parents within local events. Their wedding, attended by friends and family, had been celebrated as much for the couple’s love as for their integral socioeconomic impact.
Looking back at the legacy of Lorenzo Rovagnati is bittersweet. His leadership brought about substantial growth and innovative practices within the Rovagnati company, making significant strides toward sustainability, having publicly stated in previous interviews the goal of steering the business toward responsible practices. Saying he was devoted to quality, he closely monitored production processes, paralleling the dedication exhibited by his father, who had built the company from the ground up.
With the investigations still underway and family members left mourning their beloved Lorenzo, the collective memory of his contributions to both the family-run business and the greater community of Biassono will endure. Each heartfelt tribute from family, close friends, and community leaders illuminates the indelible mark he left behind. The outpouring of grief expresses just how deeply sorrow is felt across the regions impacted by his life and leadership.
Though the helicopter crash may have claimed Lorenzo's life, his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who appreciated his dedication to his work, family, and community. He is sincerely missed but remains etched as part of the rich fabric of the Rovagnati family story.