Italy is mourning the loss of 15-year-old figure skating talent Matilda Ferrari, whose life ended tragically while she was on her way to school in the town of Giustino, Trentino. Local reports state she had been heading to catch her usual school bus when the accident occurred, leaving the small alpine community deeply shaken.

Matilda was admired in the region for her commitment to figure skating. A member of the Sporting Ghiaccio Art Pinzolo club, she trained almost daily and had recently returned from a knee injury to win third place in the Italian Cup final at the end of 2024 — a remarkable achievement and a sign of her potential. Her club honored her with a heartfelt message, saying it was hard to imagine the rink without her.

The mayor of Giustino, Manuel Cosi, expressed the community’s sorrow, calling Matilda’s passing “a terrible tragedy that leaves us speechless.” Friends, teachers, and neighbors described her as a bright and determined young girl who dreamed of advancing in competitive skating. Across social media, condolences poured in from near and far, reflecting how deeply her story touched many lives.

Authorities have opened an investigation to better understand what happened and to evaluate safety conditions in the area. For the residents of Giustino, the heartbreaking event has renewed conversations about protecting young people during their daily routines. As the community grieves, many hold close the memory of Matilda’s radiant spirit and the inspiration she offered to everyone around her.