An Audi executive has died suddenly after falling off a 10,000-foot mountain.
It has been confirmed that Fabrizio Longo, an Audi exec as well as an avid mountain climber, has tragically died after suffering a fatal fall while scaling Cima Payer, a mountain located in Italy.
The Italian Winter Sports Federation announced the news via a statement on its website. The statement has been translated from Italian to English.
"Fabrizio Longo, director of Audi Italia since 2013, died at around three thousand meters above sea level while traveling along a via ferrata towards the Payer peak, in the mountains of the Adamello group, on the border between the provinces of Brescia and Trento." the statement read.
It went on to state that "a great mountain enthusiast" and had a strong knowledge of how to climb even the toughest of areas but unfortunately, during a solo trip on August 31, he allegedly "lost his balance" and "fell 200 meters."
A witness who was there at the scene alerted the authorities who reached the scene using a helicopter and immediately located Longo's body.
He received medical attention at the scene but succumbed to his injuries from the steep fall.
He was 62 at the time of his death.
President of the Federazione Italiana Sport Invernali Flavio Roda, who worked with Longo for years since he joined the business said: "A terrible loss for the federation. We join the family, as well as the staff, in this moment of great pain."
He described it as a "great loss" for Audi Italia.
An Audi spokesperson also told The New York Post: "Fabrizio Longo has been leading the Audi brand in Italy with enormous success since 2013, confirming the brand’s leadership in the premium segment for 11 consecutive years."
The spokesperson described Longo as “a person of great integrity, culture, capability and sensitivity," adding: “He was a source of unwavering support. His strong values and genuine care for each one created a workplace filled with warmth and respect."
“His infectious enthusiasm and positive energy touched and inspired Audi Italia and its stakeholders daily," they added.
Longo was born in Rimini, Italy, in 1962 and has been director of Audi Italia since 2013.
Our thoughts are with Longo's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
