Carisolo: Fabrizio Longo, a 62-year-old top executive at Audi, tragically died on Sunday after falling 10,000 feet while mountain climbing near the Italian-Swiss border.
Longo, who had served as the Director of Audi Italy since 2013, was an experienced mountain climber. Despite using the required safety equipment, he fell from a significant height during his climb. A fellow climber witnessed the fall and promptly alerted emergency services. A helicopter team later discovered Longo’s body approximately 700 feet down in a gorge. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were transported to Carisolo, a nearby Italian town.
Fabrizio Longo joined Audi in 2012 and was elevated to lead the Italian division just a year later. His career in the automobile industry began in 1987, and he worked with several prominent companies, including Fiat and its rival, Lancia.
An Audi representative spoke to the Washington Post, expressing deep sorrow over Longo’s death. “He was a person of great integrity,” the representative said. “His strong values and genuine care for each one created a workplace filled with warmth and respect. He was a source of unwavering support.”
Longo’s passing has been met with widespread grief from colleagues and industry peers. His dedication to his work and his supportive leadership style left a lasting impact on those who worked with him.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to understand how such a tragic accident occurred, while the Audi community and Longo’s associates mourn the loss of a respected and admired leader.