Investigation Launched Into Death of Woman Killed by Falling Statue in Italy

An investigation has been launched into the death of a woman who was killed when a statue was dropped on her head while vacationing with her boyfriend in Italy. 

The parents of two children who are suspected of throwing a statue from their home’s balcony are now under investigation, Italy’s ANSA said on Thursday, Sept. 19. 

Chiara Jaconis had been vacationing with her boyfriend Livio Rousseau in Naples in celebration of her 30th birthday on Sept. 15 when the incident occurred, the news agency and Italian newspaper L’Unione Sarda reported, as well as U.S. media outlets New York Post and TMZ. 

According to ANSA, Jaconis and Rousseau, 29, were heading to the airport to take a flight back home to Padua, Italy, when she was struck by the object. She was transported to Ospedale del Mare hospital but later died as a consequence of traumatic brain injuries on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Video obtained by TMZ showed the couple walking down the street with Rousseau and Jaconis wheeling luggage moments before an object dropped down from above them. 

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In the seconds that followed, Rousseau fell to his knees beside Jaconis and began to scream her name and call for help. 

The clip reportedly came from security footage from a nearby local bed and breakfast, per L’Unione Sarda.

ANSA added that state attorneys are investigating the parents of the minors on manslaughter and non-vigilance charges.

Hours after the incident, a candlelight vigil was held in the city’s Spanish Quarters where Jaconis was struck, Men’s Journal reported. 

Local politicians, including Naples’ mayor, Gaetano Manfredi, also shared a statement, calling her death “a great sorrow, a tragedy that deeply affects us all,” Men’s Journal added. 

“We hoped until the end that Chiara could return home to her usual life and her family,” said Luca Zaia, governor of Jaconis’ native region, the outlet reported. “We still do not understand the dynamics. I hope clarity is achieved, even though it will not bring her back.”

Jaconis reportedly worked as a store manager at a Prada outlet and had previously managed more than a dozen stores in France.