A “healthy” Erasmus student has died in hospital after falling ill “in class” during her term abroad.
Emma Carratelli fell ill last Thursday (26 Feb) while taking part in a “training activity at an equine centre”, according to reports.
She was rushed to a local hospital, where she was admitted to the cardiology ward.
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Her parents were contacted, but within hours her condition worsened and she passed away on Friday (27 Feb).
Emma, 24, was in her fourth year of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
She was studying abroad in Córdoba, Spain, as part of the Erasmus programme.
Local media have not specified exactly where she fell ill, though the University of Córdoba is known to host an Equine Sports Medicine Centre.
Originally from Castel del Piano, Tuscany, Emma had no known pre-existing health conditions, as reported by Need To Know.
Her Italian alma mater described her as a “brilliant” student.
The university added: “The energy of your infectious spirit, your love for Naples and for animals, your generosity, your bright eyes, and your genuine smile will forever remain in our hearts and within these walls.”
Emma is survived by her father Andrea, a craftsman, and her mother Francesca, a hospital nurse.
As of Monday (2 Mar), they were still in Córdoba, where her body was cremated.
She also leaves behind two brothers and two sisters.
Local media have reported the suspected cause of death only as a “heart problem”.
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