Wife of Lufthansa CEO under investigation after woman, 24, killed in Sardinia crash

The wife of Lufthansa’s CEO is under investigation after reportedly hitting and killing a young woman with her car while on holiday in Sardinia.

Gaia Costa, 24, died after being struck by an SUV as she crossed a zebra crossing in the coastal town of Porto Cervo on Tuesday.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr, 51, a senior executive and wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, was allegedly behind the wheel at the time of the collision.

Costa, who worked as a babysitter, suffered serious head injuries and was still alive when emergency services arrived, but died at the scene, according to La Repubblica.

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into negligent homicide in road traffic. Spohr has since returned to Munich, but her lawyers said she remains available to Italian authorities.

“Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident,” a statement released on her behalf said.

The incident reportedly occurred while Spohr was holidaying at her family’s vacation home. CCTV is said to show Costa attempting to wave at the vehicle before it hit her.

An ambulance reached the scene quickly and paramedics spent more than 20 minutes trying to resuscitate Costa.

According to L’Unione Sarda, Spohr, who was travelling with her daughter, didn’t initially realise the crash had happened and was stopped by a passerby. She reportedly fainted when she saw the extent of Costa’s injuries.

She later tested negative for alcohol and drugs. The SUV has been seized for technical examination, and an autopsy has been carried out on Costa.

Porto Cervo mayor Gianni Addis paid tribute to the young woman, saying: “Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the city’s social and cultural life. She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.”