A festive family Christmas celebration in northern Italy turned to tragedy when a 47-year-old man choked to death on a piece of traditional panettone cake.
A Fatal Moment During Christmas Eve Lunch
Giovanni Lopez, from Settimo Torinese, was enjoying lunch with his relatives on Christmas Eve when the incident occurred. He suddenly collapsed after eating a piece of the sweet, fruit-filled bread, a staple of Italian holiday meals.
His family rushed to his aid when they realised a piece of the dessert had become lodged in his airways. They immediately called for an ambulance, which arrived at their home at approximately 2.30pm on Wednesday, 24 December 2025.
Paramedics' Efforts Prove Futile
Despite the best efforts of emergency medical personnel who attempted to resuscitate him, Giovanni Lopez died at the scene. Officials investigating the fatal incident believe the obstruction was caused not by the soft cake itself, but by a piece of the candied fruit commonly embedded within panettone.
A medical examiner later confirmed the cause of death, ruling it a tragic accident.
A Brother's Heartbreaking Tribute
His brother, Domenico Lopez, shared an emotional tribute on social media, painting a picture of a selfless and kind man. In a post on Facebook, he described Giovanni as "pure, generous and good, even too much."
"You always thought of others, never yourself," Domenico wrote. "I hope the Lord will be good to you, and I hope you have gone to a better life. I love you, my brother. Giovanni, you will always be in our hearts."
The sudden loss has left the family and community in mourning, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous holiday gathering.
