Overview

• Riccardo B., a 17-year-old on holiday from Rome, suffocated on July 10 at Montalto di Castro beach when the 1.5-meter sand tunnel he had dug gave way
• His father, local swimmers and lifeguards dug frantically before police and an air ambulance arrived, but emergency responders were unable to revive him at the scene
• The Civitavecchia Prosecutor’s Office has opened a case against persons unknown, taken custody of the body and is weighing whether to order an autopsy
• Mayor Emanuela Socciarelli offered official condolences and suspended all July 11 public events as the community entered mourning
• Beach safety experts warn that deep sand excavations can collapse without warning and advise families to limit hole depth to prevent suffocation risks