Climbing
Fabrizio Longo, the director of Audi Italy, tragically passed away on Saturday, August 31, after a 700-foot fall from a 10,000-foot mountain in Italy. The 62-year-old executive, known for his passion for mountaineering, was climbing the Cima Payer in the Adamello mountain range when the accident occurred.
Despite his expertise, Longo fell near the 10,023′ summit while navigating a Via Ferrata route equipped with fixed steel cables and ladders. A fellow climber witnessed the incident and alerted emergency services. Rescue teams, including a helicopter crew, responded swiftly, but Longo was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later recovered and transferred to Carisolo.
The Italian Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into the accident, with funeral arrangements pending the release of Longo’s body to his family.
Fabrizio Longo, born in Rimini in 1962, graduated in Political Science from Luiss University in Rome in 1985. He began his career in the automotive industry at Fiat in 1987, quickly advancing through various marketing and sales roles. By 2002, he became head of the Italian market for the Lancia brand, where he worked alongside notable figures like Luca de Meo. Longo’s career spanned multiple prestigious automotive companies, including Piaggio, Toyota, BMW, and Hyundai, before he became Director of Audi Italy in 2013. His commitment to the automotive sector matched his passion for the mountains, where he actively promoted environmental awareness and winter sports initiatives.
Tributes from colleagues and industry leaders highlighted his exceptional management skills and dedication to promoting the beauty and sustainability of the Trentino region. His leadership at Audi Italy fostered strong ties with winter sports organizations, earning him tributes from figures such as Flavio Roda, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
“He was not a reckless hiker but a great mountain enthusiast and a very experienced and attentive mountaineer.”
– Italian Winter Sports Federation (Fisi)
The Adamello mountain range in Lombardy, Italy, is part of the Rhaetian Alps and features Mount Adamello, which stands at 3,539 meters (11,611 feet), making it the second-highest peak in the region. This majestic mountain range is renowned for its vast glaciers, including Italy’s largest, covering over 1,600 hectares. The area is not only a popular destination for climbers and skiers but also holds historical significance, having been a battleground during World War I, with remnants of fortifications still visible today. The Adamello range is protected within two natural parks, preserving its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
