A retired English teacher was killed by a bulldozer operator while collecting seashells on an Italian beach, authorities confirmed. Elisa Spadavecchia, 66, died instantly on May 24 when construction worker Lerry Gnoli reversed his 15-ton tracked bulldozer over her at Pinarella di Cervia beach on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.

Gnoli, 54, was arrested on June 30 and charged with manslaughter and workplace safety violations. The preliminary investigations judge of the Court of Ravenna issued a custodial remand order following a month-long investigation by Carabinieri and Coast Guard officials.

Toxicology tests revealed Gnoli had cocaine in his system at the time of the incident. During questioning on May 30, Gnoli described the moment of impact, stating he was reversing when he suddenly hit Spadavecchia and immediately noticed what happened after hearing a lifeguard’s screams.

The investigation uncovered disturbing details about Gnoli’s criminal history. In 2022, he was sentenced to two and a half years for road homicide after killing an 83-year-old pedestrian while driving under the influence of cocaine. His driver’s license had been revoked following that conviction. Three years earlier, in 2019, he was arrested for resisting a public official while under the influence of drugs and found in possession of cocaine.

Despite the driving ban, Gnoli was legally permitted to operate construction vehicles as long as he avoided public roads. On the morning of the incident, he was conducting unauthorized dune-leveling work on the beach using his unlicensed, tracked vehicle that lacked required visual and sound signaling devices.

Witnesses reported the bulldozer had no warning lights or audible reversing alerts as it plowed through the popular beach area. The Cervia municipality confirmed the construction work was not authorized.

Spadavecchia was vacationing with her ex-husband, retired police officer Giovanni Sfregola, when the tragedy occurred. When she failed to return from her morning walk, Sfregola used the “Find My iPhone” feature to locate her device, leading him to the scene where he discovered his wife had been killed.

The scene was so disturbing that a lifeguard who witnessed the incident became ill and required hospitalization. Sfregola indicated he chose not to view his wife’s body to preserve his memory of her. He described his grief as immeasurable and inexplicable, noting they had recently celebrated the birth of a three-month-old grandchild.

Spadavecchia had been a beloved English teacher at Liceo Scientifico Quadri in Vicenza before retiring several years ago. Former colleagues expressed shock and sorrow at her death. One colleague noted she was enjoying her retirement phase with her young granddaughter.

The accident occurred around 10 a.m. on a stretch of free beach near bathing establishment number 70. Investigators determined Gnoli was reversing at high speed when he made a sudden maneuver without checking for people in the area. The bulldozer struck Spadavecchia as she walked along the shoreline collecting shells.

Gnoli’s lawyer, Vittorio Manes, stated his client was terribly sorry about the tragedy and expressed condolences to Spadavecchia’s family. The lawyer indicated Gnoli could not understand how the accident occurred. During questioning, Gnoli claimed he felt authorized to perform beach work and believed he was legally permitted to operate the construction vehicle despite his revoked license.

The Ravenna Prosecutor’s Office investigation examined who authorized or failed to supervise Gnoli’s activities. Officials are assessing potential liability of third parties who may have permitted the unauthorized construction work to proceed on the busy beach during peak season.

Spadavecchia’s funeral was held on May 29 at the church of San Marco evangelista in Creazzo, in the province of Vicenza. The mayor of Cervia, Mattia Missiroli, attended the service, demonstrating the impact of the tragedy on both communities.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about construction site safety and unauthorized work in public areas. Gnoli was transferred to Ravenna prison to await trial, with investigators continuing to examine all circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.