A tragic road accident in Italy has claimed the life of Edmond Gjoci, a 39-year-old man of Albanian origin who had been living in Tuoro sul Trasimeno, in the Umbria region. The fatal incident occurred early Tuesday morning along the SR71 road, near the village of Riccio in the municipality of Cortona, close to the border with Castiglione del Lago.
Gjoci, who worked as a gardener, was on his way to work but did not hold a driver’s license. He had been waiting by the roadside for a friend to pick him up. As he stood there, a Lancia Y car veered out of its lane and struck him with such force that he died instantly at the scene.
The vehicle was driven by a 19-year-old high school student who was en route to school in Cortona. For reasons that are still unclear, the young driver lost control of the vehicle, swerved into the opposite lane, and fatally hit Edmond Gjoci.
Emergency services, including the 118 ambulance team and a Pegaso medical helicopter, arrived swiftly at the scene, prepared to airlift Gjoci to hospitals in Scotte or Careggi. However, despite their best efforts—including cardiac massage—he could not be revived. The injuries he sustained were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Edmond Gjoci, who had lived and worked in Italy for many years, was the father of a young daughter. His death has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the Albanian diaspora in the region.
As per standard procedure, the 19-year-old driver underwent tests for alcohol and drug use, though the results have not yet been made public. Authorities have also seized the vehicle and the young man's mobile phone as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The road where the tragedy occurred, the SR71, is notoriously dangerous and has been the site of numerous fatal accidents in recent years. Local residents have long called for improved safety measures in the area.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for road safety reforms, especially on routes known for their high accident rates.