A personal trainer has died after being struck by lightning while riding his motorbike on a solo trip.
Marco Zampilli was heading to the beach when a violent thunderstorm hit.
His BMW motorbike was struck by a lightning bolt and the electric shock threw him from his seat.
He was found unresponsive on state road 275, between Nociglia and Surano, in Italy’s Lecce province.
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Residents tried to resuscitate him while waiting for police and paramedics, but when responders arrived, there was nothing they could do.
The tragedy happened on Sunday (17 Aug) morning
Marco, 42, lived in Rome but had travelled to Italy’s “heel” a few days earlier for a short solo holiday.
The accident happened near a memorial stone to another victim who had died in the same way years earlier.
Marco co-owned a cocktail bar in Rome and was also a certified personal trainer.
Affectionately known by his friends as Marcolino, he was passionate about motorbikes and Roma football club.
He had lost his father – a pastry chef – around five months before his death, as reported by Need To Know.
An online fundraiser has been launched to help Marco’s family transport his body from Lecce to Rome, cover funeral costs, and close down his business.
Denise wrote: “We met what feels like a lifetime ago – you with your cheeky grin and your big heart.
“You were always there for everyone.
“Your laugh was impossible to miss, and when you had something to say, nothing could stop you.
“That’s how I’ll remember you, my friend – strong as ever, with those eyes that could look straight into your soul.
“Goodbye, Boss.”
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