Fabrizio Longo, the 62-year-old head of Audi’s Italy operations and an avid mountain climber, tragically fell to his death while ascending Cima Payer in the Adamello mountains, near the Italian-Swiss border. The accident occurred when Longo was nearing the summit of the 10,000-foot peak.
According to reports from the New York Post, Longo was well-equipped with safety gear, including steel cables and ladders, at the time of the incident. Despite these precautions, he fell from a height and was found 700 feet down a gorge by rescue teams. He was later pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was transported to a hospital in Carisolo for further examination.
The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. The autopsy and related formalities are pending, and Longo’s family will announce funeral arrangements once the body is released.
Longo, born in Rimini, Italy in 1962, had a distinguished career in the automotive industry. After graduating with a degree in political science, he began his career at Fiat in 1987, honing his marketing skills before leading the Lancia brand in 2002. He joined Audi in 2012 and became the director of Italian operations in 2013, where he played a crucial role in maintaining the brand’s leadership in the premium segment for 11 consecutive years.
An Audi spokesperson expressed deep sorrow at Longo’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions and the positive impact he had on the company. “Fabrizio Longo was a source of unwavering support and his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy inspired Audi Italia and its stakeholders daily,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to his professional achievements, Longo was a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, supporting efforts to protect the Adamello mountains from climate change.
Sources By Agencies