A retired English teacher was killed on May 24 while collecting seashells on an Italian beach when a bulldozer operator under the influence of cocaine struck her with his vehicle. Elisa Spadavecchia, 66, died instantly after being run over by the construction equipment at Pinarella di Cervia beach on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
The bulldozer operator, Lerry Gnoli, 54, was arrested on June 30 on charges of manslaughter and workplace safety violations. Gnoli was operating a 15-ton tracked bulldozer without proper licensing or safety equipment when he reversed the vehicle at high speed and struck Spadavecchia around 10 a.m.
Toxicology tests revealed Gnoli had cocaine in his system at the time of the incident. The operator told investigators during questioning on May 30 that he noticed the collision immediately and heard screams from a lifeguard who witnessed the incident.
Witnesses reported that the bulldozer lacked warning lights and audible reversing alerts required by law. The vehicle also operated without license plates and proper visual signaling devices. Gnoli was performing unauthorized dune-leveling work on the beach when the fatal collision occurred.
The incident has raised serious questions about Gnoli’s background and authorization to operate heavy machinery. In 2022, he was sentenced to two and a half years for road homicide after killing an 83-year-old pedestrian while driving under the influence of cocaine in Pisignano. His driver’s license had been revoked following that conviction.
Despite the driving ban, Gnoli was permitted to operate construction vehicles as long as he avoided public roads. Three years before the road homicide conviction, he was arrested in 2019 for resisting a public official while under the influence of drugs and found in possession of cocaine.
Spadavecchia was vacationing with her ex-husband, Giovanni Sfregola, a retired police officer, when the tragedy occurred. Sfregola became concerned when his former wife failed to return from her morning walk and used the “Find My iPhone” feature to locate her device. He then enlisted help to reach the exact location where he discovered the accident scene.
The severity of the incident traumatized witnesses, including the lifeguard who observed the collision. According to Sfregola, the lifeguard became ill and required hospitalization after witnessing the scene. Authorities prevented Sfregola from viewing his ex-wife’s body due to the extent of her injuries.
The couple had recently celebrated the birth of their three-month-old grandson. Sfregola described his emotional state as existing in an “ocean of pain” following the loss. The former couple shared the young grandchild through Sfregola’s daughter.
Before her retirement, Spadavecchia worked as an English teacher at Liceo Scientifico Quadri in Vicenza. She had retired several years before the COVID-19 pandemic and was described by colleagues as beloved and respected in her profession.
Former colleagues expressed shock and grief over her death. Anna Spata remembered Spadavecchia with affection and esteem, while Cinzia Zanesco indicated she was speechless over the news and knew her former colleague was enjoying retirement with her young granddaughter. Elena Ruffato stated that staff members were dismayed and speechless in the face of the tragedy.
The Municipality of Cervia confirmed that the construction work being performed at the time of the incident was not authorized. The Ravenna Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized beach work and who may have permitted or failed to supervise Gnoli’s activities.
Gnoli’s attorney, Vittorio Manes, indicated his client expressed remorse over the incident and extended condolences to Spadavecchia’s family. The lawyer described the situation as a huge tragedy and stated that Gnoli could not understand how the collision occurred.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of responsibility for the incident. Gnoli was transferred to Ravenna prison while awaiting trial proceedings. The case has highlighted concerns about safety protocols for construction work in public areas and the oversight of operators with criminal histories.
Spadavecchia’s funeral was held on Friday, May 31, at the church of San Marco Evangelista in Creazzo, in the province of Vicenza. The service began at 2:30 p.m. and was attended by friends, colleagues, students, and local officials, including the mayor of Cervia, Mattia Missiroli.
