• Vivian Spohr, wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, struck and killed a 24-year-old babysitter while vacationing in Sardinia. The incident, now under investigation for vehicular manslaughter, has raised legal and ethical questions after Spohr returned to Germany without restriction. Italian authorities continue reviewing surveillance and phone data to determine culpability.

PORTO CERVO, Italy (TDR) — A tragic accident involving Vivian Alexandra Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, is drawing international scrutiny after she fatally struck a 24-year-old woman at a pedestrian crossing in Sardinia — and then returned to Germany while still under investigation for vehicular manslaughter.

The collision occurred Tuesday afternoon in Porto Cervo, a luxury resort destination popular among Europe’s wealthy elite. According to Corriere News, Spohr was behind the wheel of a BMW X5 when she struck Gaia Costa, a local babysitter who was reportedly crossing legally at a pedestrian lane. Witnesses say Spohr drove forward until bystanders stopped her. Shocked, she fainted at the scene.

Costa was alive when emergency personnel arrived, but died shortly after from severe head trauma, Italian outlets reported.

Spohr Returns to Germany Amid Ongoing Investigation

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Although local prosecutors named Spohr as a suspect in the case, she departed Sardinia for Berlin without restriction. Italian law did not require her to remain on the island, but her return to Germany has prompted a wave of online criticism and legal questions.

“It feels like an escape,” one user posted, echoing a sentiment that has spread across Italian and German social media platforms.

Her attorney, Angelo Merlini, defended her actions in a statement to La Repubblica, saying:
“Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident… She has placed herself at the complete disposal of the judicial authorities.”

Authorities confirmed Spohr tested negative for alcohol and drugs, but are reviewing phone activity and street surveillance footage to determine whether she was distracted.

A City in Mourning, a Community in Shock

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Costa’s death has devastated the local community of Arzachena, where she was known for her involvement in civic events.
“Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the city’s social and cultural life,” said Mayor Gianni Addis.
“She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.”

According to L’Unione Sarda, Spohr was reportedly driving with her daughter when the incident occurred. Footage allegedly shows Costa attempting to wave down the SUV before being struck and thrown to the pavement.

Authorities have seized the vehicle for forensic analysis. An autopsy was performed Wednesday, and findings are expected to play a critical role in the ongoing investigation.

Ethics, Wealth, and the Law

The tragedy has sparked renewed debate over wealth, privilege, and accountability, especially given Spohr’s high-profile connections and the luxury setting of the incident. Italian commentators have questioned whether a local resident would have been allowed to leave so freely under similar circumstances.

At the intersection of grief, accountability, and justice, Sardinia is left grappling with a loss that feels preventable. Should international law better address how high-profile figures navigate legal systems abroad? Let us know your thoughts below.

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