A tragic motorbike accident has left 18-year-old tennis prodigy Simone de Luigi dead.
It was only a few short weeks ago that de Luigi represented his country – a small microstate in north-central Italy – in the Davis cup, where San Marino defeated Iceland, winning promotion from Europe group IV.
San Marino’s Tennis Federation Director Mahena Abbati said the youngster would be “missed tremendously”.
“The San Marino Tennis Federation is shocked and saddened by the tragic event of Sunday night and we offer our deep sorrow to the family of Simone De Luigi,” he said.
The accident happened in the Italian city of Rimini, where his motorbike collided with a car.
Drug and alcohol tests are expected to be released as the accident continues to be investigated.
The driver and two female passengers involved in the accident were questioned, with testimonies given by other passengers following the same route, although none of them witnessed the accident first-hand.
“The young promise of Sammarinese tennis, who was just 18 years old, was a cheerful and polite boy, able to enter the hearts of people,” said Mr Abbati in a statement. “A player and a friend who will be missed tremendously by everyone.”
Image: San Marino Tennis Federation
