A dad-of-two footballer tragically collapsed and died on the pitch during a routine training session.
Riccardo Chetta was playing a small-sided match with his teammates when he suddenly sat down and then fell, showing no signs of life.
Staff and players rushed to his aid immediately, attempting to resuscitate him with the onsite defibrillator under guidance from emergency services over the phone.
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Paramedics arrived about 15 minutes after the call and continued CPR, but after around 55 minutes, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy took place at the Collepasso sports field in Lecce province, in Italy’s “heel”, last Friday (16 Jan) night.
Riccardo, 39, had been with Parabita City, which plays in Italy’s over-30 amateur football league, for more than 10 years.
It is believed he died from a malignant arrhythmia with ventricular fibrillation, as reported by Need To Know.
Preliminary findings suggest a severe heart rhythm disorder that prevented his heart from pumping effectively, rapidly leading to cardiac arrest.
Riccardo, from Parabita, was well known in the tourism sector.
He had inherited the family travel agency from his father and managed several agritourism properties.
He was also deeply involved with the Salento Book Festival.
Prosecutors have placed the sports doctor who issued his medical certificate in December under investigation.
The inquiry is focusing on a previous episode of illness Riccardo reported and whether any warning signs were overlooked during his medical.
He is survived by his wife Ilaria, their two sons – aged six and three, his parents, and a sister.
His funeral was held in Parabita yesterday (22 Jan).
Parabita City paid tribute: “We gather around a man who gave his all for our colours and for our community – a man we thank for his lightheartedness, his simplicity, and his generosity towards everyone…
“Goodbye, Ricky 19. Have a safe journey.”
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