Tributes are flowing for a young Australian tourist described as a “fantastic bloke” with a “zest for life” after he died in a scooter crash on the island of Sicily in southern Italy.
Key points:
- Matthew Borromei has been identified as the Australian tourist who died in Italy this week
- Mr Borromei was in his 20s and lived in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia
- His local soccer and Australian Rules Football clubs have posted tributes online
Matthew Borromei, from Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia, was killed this week when he lost control of the scooter and hit a cement pillar while driving towards the town centre of Taormina.
His family confirmed his death in a social media post, describing Taormina as one of Mr Borromei’s “favourite places he discovered on his European travels”.
“Mum and I love you so much,” father Rino Borromei posted on his son’s Facebook page.
“Miss you. Forever in our hearts and thoughts.”
Local media reports from Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata said the crash happened just after 9pm on July 5.
The report identified the man as a 25-year-old Australian Tourist and said he died before emergency services arrived at the scene.
A report by the Gazzetta del Sud newspaper speculated that he may have been consulting the navigation tool on his mobile phone, which police said was found at the scene with the screen open on GPS.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the man’s family,” the spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
A ‘zest for life’
Described as a talented sportsman, tributes for Mr Borromei have been posted online by soccer and Australian Rules Football Clubs he represented in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“Incredibly sad news for one of our OGs [originals] … Heart goes out to the family and, of course, you boys,” the Twin City Saints posted on its Facebook page.
“Horrible to lose such a good mate.
“Love from two coaches who were fortunate enough to spend time with such a fantastic bloke and a top quality player.”
The Railways Football Club said Mr Borromei would be “greatly missed by many for his energy, smile and zest for life”.
“This is a very difficult write with Matt so loved by all and words genuinely fail in this moment,” the club posted on its Facebook page.
“We will wear black arm bands as a show of respect when we play Kangas next Saturday in all grades and cast the biggest collective hug around everyone who loved and knew Matt, including many playing with the club today.”
Mr Borromei’s death is a tragic coincidence for the Railways Football Club, which was rocked by the death of 20-year-old player Mitch Gillam in a scooter accident on a Bali holiday in 2010.
Find more local news
Browse for your location and find more local ABC News and information
The post Australian tourist killed during Italy scooter crash described as having a ‘zest for life’ appeared first on Australian News Today.
