A wave of grief has swept across Italy following the tragic death of 12-year-old Matteo Brandimarti, who died after being trapped underwater in a hotel jacuzzi in Pennabilli, a town in the Rimini province of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Tragic Accident During Easter Holiday
The boy was on holiday with his parents and uncles from San Benedetto del Tronto when the incident occurred just after 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5 — Easter Sunday for Catholics. The family had decided to relax together at the hotel’s spa facility. They entered a shallow pool area, but Matteo suddenly disappeared from view.
Entrapment and Emergency Response
Matteo became trapped when his leg was pulled into the jacuzzi’s suction outlet while the system was operating. The tub was slightly over one meter deep, and he remained submerged for nearly five minutes before staff could intervene. Rescuers arrived within minutes and worked urgently to revive him, performing repeated resuscitation attempts. His condition was critical from the outset, prompting an emergency air ambulance transfer to the Infermi Hospital in Rimini.
Medical Outcome and Organ Donation
Doctors confirmed brain death shortly after arrival. Following standard protocols, life-support systems were eventually withdrawn. With the consent of his family, Matteo became an organ donor — a decision confirmed by family lawyer Umberto Gramentzi.
Investigation Underway
Carabinieri from Novafeltria are investigating the case under the supervision of the Rimini Public Prosecutor’s Office. Initially classified as grievous bodily harm, the investigation has now been upgraded to manslaughter by negligence. Authorities have collected testimony from around ten individuals, including family members and hotel staff.
The jacuzzi unit and surrounding area have been seized as evidence. Investigators are focusing closely on the design and installation of the suction outlets — particularly whether required safety grates were in place and properly maintained.