The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 8, when Costa, a local babysitter, was struck by an SUV while crossing a pedestrian walkway. Spohr, 51, was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was reportedly on vacation in the area with her daughter at the time.
Costa was found critically injured at the scene and emergency responders attempted to resuscitate her for 20 minutes before she succumbed to a severe head injury. According to eyewitnesses and local reports, CCTV footage showed Costa attempting to wave at the approaching SUV moments before the impact.
Spohr reportedly did not immediately realize she had struck someone and was alerted by a passer-by. Upon seeing the injured victim, she is said to have fainted. Authorities administered alcohol and drug tests, which returned negative. She subsequently returned to her home in Munich, Germany.
Italian prosecutors have now placed Spohr under formal investigation for negligent vehicular homicide. Prosecutor Milena Aucone has confirmed that Spohr is a suspect in the case. Her legal team issued a statement expressing her remorse: “Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident.”
The SUV involved in the crash has been seized for forensic analysis, and an autopsy on Costa’s body has been scheduled. As of Friday afternoon, no arrests have been made.
Porto Cervo Mayor Gianni Addis paid tribute to the victim, describing Costa as “a young woman deeply involved in the city’s social and cultural life” and “passionate about our traditions.”
According to the European Road Safety Observatory, Italy recorded 2,395 traffic-related fatalities in 2020, ranking 11th among EU member states for the lowest death rates per million inhabitants.
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