An 18-year-old Cuban named José Reynaldo Alberto was responsible for a deadly accident in Lancenigo di Villorba, Treviso, resulting in the death of 71-year-old retired math teacher, Diego Lapaine. The tragic event occurred on the afternoon of Monday, September 1, when the young man, lacking a driver's license, lost control of his mother's Fiat 500 and struck the cyclist.
According to the local news outlet, Treviso Today, the collision was so severe that the victim was thrown approximately ten meters, landing in a residential garden, while his bicycle became entangled in a fence. Following the crash, the distraught José phoned his mother amidst tears, exclaiming, “I’ve had an accident, someone is hurt... I messed up,” as reported by the Italian media. His mother, identified as Jessica, then discovered that her son had taken the car keys without her consent.
José is now facing charges of aggravated vehicular homicide due to driving without a license, which could result in a harsher sentence. Additionally, their insurance company is unlikely to cover the damages, potentially leaving José and his mother facing a substantial financial settlement unless she can prove her unawareness of the vehicle's use.
In Shock and Without Answers
“He’s locked in his room, speechless, and keeps crying. He doesn’t remember anything about the accident; he’s bewildered and can’t grasp what happened. Driving without a license? There’s no explanation at the moment,” stated his defense attorney, Fabio Crea.
Authorities have confirmed that José Reynaldo was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The young man had recently arrived in Italy to join his mother in Mogliano Veneto, was in the process of obtaining a residence permit, and was neither studying nor working at the time.
Diego Lapaine, the victim, was a well-known cycling enthusiast in the area. He had served as the deputy director of the Fermi Technical Institute in Treviso and taught at the Da Vinci Institute. His sudden death has left the local community in mourning, remembering him as a respected teacher who was close to his students.
Meanwhile, the defense continues to emphasize that this incident is a “tragedy within another tragedy,” and extends apologies to Lapaine’s family for the pain inflicted.
Key Questions About the Fatal Accident in Italy
What charges is José Reynaldo Alberto facing?
José Reynaldo Alberto is facing charges of aggravated vehicular homicide due to driving without a license.
What is the likelihood of the insurance covering the damages?
The insurance company is unlikely to cover the damages, potentially leaving José and his mother responsible for a significant financial settlement.
Was José Reynaldo Alberto under the influence during the accident?
Authorities confirmed that José Reynaldo was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.