Italy is mourning the loss of 15-year-old figure skating talent Matilda Ferrari, who died in a traffic accident in Giustino, Trentino. She was on her way to catch the school bus when she was struck by a cement truck. Despite the quick arrival of rescue workers, “she succumbed to her serious injuries at the scene.”

According to initial investigations, the truck driver had a green light when Matilda entered the road. She was with two friends, heading to school in Tione. The mayor of Giustino, Manuel Cosi, said: “It is a terrible tragedy that leaves us speechless. You can’t go to school in the morning and die like this. We are devastated.”

Matilda was a rising star in figure skating, a member of Sporting Ghiaccio Art Pinzolo. She trained daily and had recently placed third in the Italian Cup final despite a knee injury. Her club shared a black-and-white photo of her, saying they couldn’t imagine the rink without her.

News of her death sparked grief across Italy. One social media user wrote: “What a terrible death, poor girl, may she rest in peace.” Another commented: “Too many crazy people.”

Police are investigating possible mechanical issues and visibility problems at the busy road, where accidents have happened before. Mayor Cosi said Giustino had “lost a star,” words that reflect the deep sorrow of the community.