Cervia Beach Tragedy: Bulldozer Driver Tests Positive for Cocaine

Pinarella di Cervia, Italy — A tragic incident occurred on May 24, 2025, when Elisa Spadavecchia, a 66-year-old retired teacher, was fatally struck by a bulldozer while sunbathing on a beach in Pinarella di Cervia, near Bologna. The driver, identified as Lerry Gnoli, aged 54, has been charged with manslaughter after testing positive for cocaine, according to recent reports.

The accident took place during unauthorized beach maintenance work, as confirmed by Cervia’s mayor, Mattia Missiroli, who stated that the bulldozer operations lacked proper authorization. Spadavecchia, who was on holiday with her ex-husband, a retired Carabinieri officer, suffered severe injuries, and the scene was so distressing that a lifeguard who witnessed the event required hospitalization.

Further investigations revealed that Gnoli was operating the bulldozer without a valid license, which had been revoked following a prior conviction for a fatal road accident in 2022, where he also tested positive for cocaine after striking an 83-year-old pedestrian. Authorities are now examining why Gnoli was performing work on the beach, given the lack of permits and his history of drug-related offenses.

The incident has raised significant concerns about safety regulations on public beaches, especially during the busy bathing season. The Cervia lifeguard cooperative has distanced itself from the event, emphasizing that it was not involved in the unauthorized operations.

This tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for stricter oversight of heavy machinery operations in public spaces. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on Gnoli’s actions and the circumstances that allowed such work to proceed without proper authorization.

Sources: Express.co.uk, The Mirror, Ilmessaggero.it, Il Sole 24 ORE, and posts on X.