Lufthansa CEO's Wife Accused of Vehicular Homicide in Italy

Lufthansa CEO's wife, Vivian Alexandra Spohr, is under investigation for vehicular homicide after allegedly running over a 24-year-old babysitter, Gaia Costa, in the Italian resort town of Porto Cervo. Spohr, who is married to Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, departed for Germany shortly after the incident and has expressed her "dismay and deep regret" over the accident.

Lufthansa CEO's wife, Vivian Alexandra Spohr, is under investigation for vehicular homicide after allegedly running over a 24-year-old babysitter, Gaia Costa, in the Italian resort town of Porto Cervo. The incident occurred on Tuesday while Spohr was vacationing in the upscale coastal town. Costa, a local babysitter, was crossing at a marked pedestrian zone when Spohr's BMW SUV hit her. Witnesses reported seeing Costa raise her hand to signal the vehicle to stop moments before the collision. According to police, the car did not slow down and Spohr continued driving until bystanders flagged her down. Emergency responders attempted to revive Costa for about 20 minutes but she was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head trauma.

Local prosecutors have launched an official probe into vehicular homicide. Spohr reportedly passed out from shock at the scene and later returned to Berlin. Her attorney, Angelo Merlini, confirmed she is cooperating with Italian authorities and has expressed "dismay and deep regret" over the tragic event. "She is deeply affected and stands ready to assist investigators," Merlini said, adding that Spohr is not legally obligated to remain in Italy during the inquiry.

Costa's family, devastated by the loss, has engaged legal counsel. The Costa family lawyer, Antonello Desini, stated, "At this time, we must respect the pain of a destroyed family" [1]. Costa's father is a well-known unionist for one of the largest trade union confederations in Italy, Confederazione Italiana Sindacati Lavoratori [1]. The investigation has encountered delays as legal documents must be translated into German. Authorities are also examining whether factors beyond intoxication or substance use could indicate negligence.

The Spohr family has extended heartfelt condolences to Costa's grieving loved ones. The incident has cast a shadow over the reputation of Lufthansa and its CEO, Carsten Spohr. The company has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter.

References:
[1] https://nypost.com/2025/07/12/world-news/gaia-costas-family-in-deep-grief-over-24-year-olds-tragic-death/
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/lufthansa-ceos-wife-runs-over-24-year-old-woman-in-italy-during-vacation-passes-out-of-shock-after-accident/3912552/