Renowned Barbie designers and real-life partners Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi tragically lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision in Italy. The crash occurred on the A4 Turin-Milan highway on Sunday, when 82-year-old Egidio Ceriano drove the wrong way for over four miles at high speed after making a U-turn upon missing a toll booth, according to The Independent.
Paglino and Grossi, founders of Magniadoll (Magnia2000), were travelling with Amodio Valerio Giurni, a bank employee, and his wife Silvia Moramacro. Mr Giurni died instantly, while Ms Moramacro remains in critical condition. Ceriano also died on the spot.
The Barbie brand paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Paglino and Grossi “treasured artists” and “lifelong collectors” who “brought joy and artistry” to the doll world. “Their presence brought warmth, laughter and a sense of belonging,” the post read, remembering their passionate contribution to events like the Italian Doll Convention and global doll shows.
Established in 1999, Magnia2000 became internationally celebrated for creating celebrity dolls of icons such as Cher, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sophia Loren. Their work earned them the Barbie Best Friend Award from legendary designer Carol Spencer in 2016.
Witnesses narrowly avoided the same fate in the horrifying crash. One survivor recounted, “We barely survived… it was a miracle.”
The couple were reportedly heading for a relaxing day by the lake when the tragedy struck.