Esther Imonmion
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez was on Tuesday morning involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the life of an 81-year-old man in the province of Como, northern Italy.
According to Italian media reports, the collision occurred around 9:40 a.m. local time in the village of Fenegro, near Inter Milan’s training facility. The victim, who was reportedly in an electric wheelchair, was struck by Martínez’s vehicle.
Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, arrived at the scene, but the elderly man was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Initial reports suggest the victim may have changed direction suddenly before being hit.
Martínez, 27, is said to have immediately stopped and attempted to render assistance. Local authorities have since opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Inter Milan cancelled a scheduled press conference that was to be held later in the day by the club’s manager.
Martínez, a Spanish international who joined Inter Milan earlier this year, has not yet made any public statement regarding the incident.