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“If You’re Rich Enough, You Can Do Whatever You Want”: Babysitter Fatally Hit By Wife Of Lufthansa CEO
The life of a young woman tragically ended within seconds while crossing a road in Sardinia, Italy.
Now, Vivian Alexandra Spohr, 51, the wife of one of the most powerful airline bosses in Europe is at the center of the investigation.
“Money will buy her way out of any charges,” said netizens, sparking conversations about whether high-profile figures would receive preferential treatment.
Highlights
- Vivian Alexandra Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa airline’s billionaire CEO, is at the center of a vehicular homicide investigation.
- She was reportedly involved in a crash in Sardinia, Italy.
- The victim was identified as Gaia Costa, a 24-year-old babysitter.
- Paramedics tended to Gaia for 20 minutes before pronouncing her deceased.
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Vivian Alexandra Spohr is at the center of a vehicular homicide investigation
Image credits: Gisela Schober/Getty Images
Gaia Costa, identified as a 24-year-old babysitter, was walking across a pedestrian crossing in Porto Cervo on Tuesday, July 8, when a BMW SUV struck her.
Behind the wheel was Vivian, who is married to Lufthansa airline’s billionaire CEO Carsten Spohr.
Local police claimed that Vivian continued driving until onlookers waved her down.
The accused driver is married to Lufthansa airline’s billionaire CEO Carsten Spohr
Image credits: Gisela Schober/Getty Images
The wealthy German tourist was driving with her daughter in the car at the time of the collision.
The young nanny sustained serious head injuries and was tended to by paramedics and medical technicians.
But after 20 minutes of trying to revive her, the victim was pronounced deceased.
Image credits: RAI TGR
Antonello Desini, the Costa family’s lawyer, said his clients are “destroyed” by Gaia’s tragic end.
“At this time, we must respect the pain of a destroyed family,” Antonello was quoted saying.
He said the family has the “utmost confidence in the work of the Tempio Public Prosecutor’s Office” as they handle the case.
Paramedics tended to Gaia Costa for 20 minutes before she was pronounced deceased
Image credits: Fotogramma/IPA/Sipa USA
The victim’s father is a popular unionist figure, who is part of one of Italy’s largest and most influential trade union confederations called Confederazione Italiana Sindacati Lavoratori.
Local reports claimed that Gaia was following a group of men while walking on the crosswalk and raised her hands to get Vivian’s attention as the BMW X5 was approaching.
Image credits: SARDEGNA LIVE
Vivian’s lawyer Angelo Merlini said his client was driving at a low speed and attempted to give first aid to the victim before fainting at the spot.
“Contrary to what was previously reported, Vivian Spohr stopped after the accident and provided first aid to the girl. However, after an initial attempt at resuscitation, Vivian Spohr lost consciousness and fainted,” the lawyer reportedly said.
Vivian attempted to provide first aid and fainted at the scene, her lawyer said
Image credits: Vivian Alexandra/Facebook
When the incident took place, the Spohr family were reportedly spending time at a residential property they own on the island close to the community of Porto Cervo—a luxury resort area in Sardinia that is frequented by wealthy people.
Vivian, who shares two daughters with Carsten, traveled back to Munich after the accident as she was not legally required to be in Italy.
Image credits: Riccardo Frezza/IPA/Sipa USA
She is reportedly cooperating with Italian investigators for the alleged vehicular homicide.
“Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident, which has devastated a family, the town of Tempio, and the entire community of Gallura,” said a statement released by her attorney on Friday, July 11.
“At this time, we must respect the pain of a destroyed family,” the Costa family’s lawyer said
Image credits: Rai
The accused driver has placed herself “at the complete disposal of the Italian judicial authorities for the necessary investigations and, while aware that such a great personal loss cannot be repaired, will take steps to mitigate its consequences,” the statement added.
Investigators are working to find out whether she was using her phone at the time of the collision.
Image credits: Gisela Schober/Getty Images
She underwent alcohol and toxicology tests following the accident, and the results were negative.
Carsten has been Lufthansa’s CEO since 2014 and reportedly earned roughly $6.54 million (€5.6 million) in 2023 and $7.24 million (€6.2 million) in 2024.
Vivian traveled back to Munich but is reportedly cooperating with Italian investigators
Image credits: Teleregione Live – Sardegna
Netizens had mixed reactions to the news of the accident, with one saying, “She will get a slap on the hand. The poor girl was in a crosswalk. Condolences to her family.”
“Typical rich person,” said another, “there will be no punishment.”
Image credits: Teleregione Live – Sardegna
“No one is above the law – she should be locked up with no chance of parole,” one said.
Another wrote, “She left town pretty quick.”
“The privilege will let her run free,” one said.
“Hit and run and you get to head home in first class,” one wrote online
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What do you think ?
David Andrews 4 months ago
Regardless of wealth, people should face the appropriate consequences for their actions. However, that also means they shouldn't be treated any more severely because they are wealthy. Police are investigating the accident, and may press charges, however until they do and if she is still cooperative with them, there is no reason she cannot go home. Reporting of her not stopping etc could be true, however could equally be tabloids making up sensational details so their stories get traction. And currently we do not know of any potential faults with the car, health issues, distractions etc that could have contributed. If she was was driving irresponsibly and not paying attention, she should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, however far too many people getting out their pitchforks just based on the fact she is rich
KatSaidWhat 4 months ago
So witnesses say she carried on driving but she claims she stopped and gave assistance?
Bi.Felicia 4 months ago
Gaia was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her and unfortunately that was tragically taken away. What's even worse is that she was in a crosswalk and not only did the rich bim bo hit Gaia, as she attempted to cross the street, but she didn't even stop her car, after hitting her, until she was flagged down by people near the scene. The wealthy idiot was clearly distracted, because Gaia even tried to wave her arms, to get the drivers attention, but sadly it didn't help. I don't understand how you can hit someone and just continue on your way. Even if you didn't know it was a person, you def know that you hit something of significant size, which you should pull over and inspect the car/area. I hope that the judge throws the book at this lady, but given her access to wealth, she likely won't face much consequences.
Mel in Georgia 4 months ago
There is absolutely no excuse for hitting someone in a crosswalk. She should not be above prosecution. But given her cooperation and background, I doubt if she'll receive a harsh sentence.
Superninjatiger 4 months ago
And if she was driving slow like her lawyer said, and focused on the road, wouldn't she have seen Gaia walk in front of her and be able to stop? Because it sounds like Gaia was already on the crosswalk when the car came since she even raised her hands to get the womans attention while she was driving towards her. So either she wasn't driving slow and didn't have time to stop and accidentally hit her, or she was driving slow but didn't pay attention and accidentally hit her, or she was driving slow and paid attention and should've seen the men walk over in front Gaia and choose to not stop, or she was driving slow/slowed down for the men and decided to keep driving when Gaia was in front of her - because it sounds like Gaia wasn't the only one on the crosswalk but she was the one who unfortunately got hit, or she just wasn't driving slow and didn't pay attention to the road. I hope this woman doesn't get leniency due to her status or money and that her punishment will fit the crime.
Load More Replies... David Andrews 4 months ago
Regardless of wealth, people should face the appropriate consequences for their actions. However, that also means they shouldn't be treated any more severely because they are wealthy. Police are investigating the accident, and may press charges, however until they do and if she is still cooperative with them, there is no reason she cannot go home. Reporting of her not stopping etc could be true, however could equally be tabloids making up sensational details so their stories get traction. And currently we do not know of any potential faults with the car, health issues, distractions etc that could have contributed. If she was was driving irresponsibly and not paying attention, she should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, however far too many people getting out their pitchforks just based on the fact she is rich
KatSaidWhat 4 months ago
So witnesses say she carried on driving but she claims she stopped and gave assistance?
Bi.Felicia 4 months ago
Gaia was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her and unfortunately that was tragically taken away. What's even worse is that she was in a crosswalk and not only did the rich bim bo hit Gaia, as she attempted to cross the street, but she didn't even stop her car, after hitting her, until she was flagged down by people near the scene. The wealthy idiot was clearly distracted, because Gaia even tried to wave her arms, to get the drivers attention, but sadly it didn't help. I don't understand how you can hit someone and just continue on your way. Even if you didn't know it was a person, you def know that you hit something of significant size, which you should pull over and inspect the car/area. I hope that the judge throws the book at this lady, but given her access to wealth, she likely won't face much consequences.
Mel in Georgia 4 months ago
There is absolutely no excuse for hitting someone in a crosswalk. She should not be above prosecution. But given her cooperation and background, I doubt if she'll receive a harsh sentence.
Superninjatiger 4 months ago
And if she was driving slow like her lawyer said, and focused on the road, wouldn't she have seen Gaia walk in front of her and be able to stop? Because it sounds like Gaia was already on the crosswalk when the car came since she even raised her hands to get the womans attention while she was driving towards her. So either she wasn't driving slow and didn't have time to stop and accidentally hit her, or she was driving slow but didn't pay attention and accidentally hit her, or she was driving slow and paid attention and should've seen the men walk over in front Gaia and choose to not stop, or she was driving slow/slowed down for the men and decided to keep driving when Gaia was in front of her - because it sounds like Gaia wasn't the only one on the crosswalk but she was the one who unfortunately got hit, or she just wasn't driving slow and didn't pay attention to the road. I hope this woman doesn't get leniency due to her status or money and that her punishment will fit the crime.
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