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Teen Athlete Dies After Suspected Allergic Reaction at Tournament
7 Apr
Summary
- A 15-year-old schoolgirl died from a suspected allergic shock.
- She collapsed after eating dinner with her basketball teammates.
- An investigation is underway with the restaurant's kitchen locked down.
A 15-year-old basketball player, Sofia Di Vico from Maddaloni, has died from a suspected allergic reaction. The incident occurred on April 7, 2026, while she was in Ostia near Rome for the 'Mare di Roma Trophy in Pink' tournament. Sofia became unwell around 10:40 PM after having dinner with her teammates, reportedly struggling to breathe before collapsing. Her father administered allergy medication, but her condition did not improve.
She was rushed to Grassi Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical staff. Sofia was known to have a severe milk protein allergy, and concerns are focused on whether her meal, possibly scrambled eggs and green beans, contained milk traces. The restaurant had been informed of her lactose intolerance. Investigations are ongoing, with police securing the kitchen, and a manslaughter case has been opened. The tournament and another regional basketball event were canceled out of respect for Sofia and her grieving family and community.
