Wife of Airline CEO Kills Young Babysitter in Tragic Accident

The wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr is at the center of a growing international scandal after allegedly mowing down a young pedestrian in a luxury SUV while vacationing in Italy.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr, 51, is now under formal investigation for vehicular homicide after she reportedly struck and killed 24-year-old Gaia Costa in a marked crosswalk in the upscale Sardinian resort town of Porto Cervo. The collision occurred Tuesday, as Costa was walking to her babysitting job, Italian authorities confirmed.

Witnesses say Costa was crossing legally when Spohr, behind the wheel of a BMW X5, slammed into her and continued driving—apparently unaware of the impact. A passerby chased the vehicle down and alerted Spohr to what had happened. According to reports in German outlet Bild, she fainted on the spot when she realized she had hit someone.

First responders battled to save Costa’s life for nearly 20 minutes, but she succumbed to massive head trauma at the scene. Costa, described by local officials as “hard-working and cheerful,” was well-known in the community for her dedication to Sardinian cultural events and youth activities.

Mayor Gianni Addis said the young woman “embodied the soul of Porto Cervo” and was a fixture at traditional parades. “Her loss is a tragedy for the entire town,” he added.

Spohr’s daughter was reportedly in the SUV at the time of the fatal crash. Her husband, Lufthansa boss Carsten Spohr—who earned over $6 million last year and oversees one of Europe’s largest airlines—was not present.

Vivian Spohr, a patron of a Lufthansa-linked children’s charity, has since flown back to Munich. Her attorney, Angelo Merlini, told Italian media that she is cooperating fully with investigators. “Mrs. Spohr expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident,” he said. “She is available for any necessary legal steps.”

Investigators are now examining whether the collision was caused by driver distraction—possibly from a phone—though initial toxicology tests reportedly showed no alcohol or drugs in her system.

The Spohr family has issued condolences to Costa’s relatives through their legal team, but public outrage is growing in both Italy and Germany as details of the incident spread.

The tragedy is now raising uncomfortable questions about privilege, wealth, and responsibility. One local resident summed up the mood bluntly to La Repubblica: “If this had been anyone else, would they have already been arrested?”

Authorities in Sardinia say the investigation remains ongoing.