A top Audi executive who was an avid mountain climber fell 10,000 feet to his death in an accident just a few miles from the Italian-Swiss border on Sunday, according to reports.
Fabrizio Longo, 62, who runs the luxury car company’s Italy-based operations, was climbing the Cima Payer in the Adamello mountains in northern Italy when he fell near the summit, several European-based news outlets reported.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene after the accident was witnessed by another climber, who called for help.
A helicopter team located Longo’s body some 700 feet inside a gorge.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was transported to the nearby Italian town of Carisolo.
Local authorities have launched an investigation.
Longo, an expert mountaineer, had reportedly climbed along a route equipped with fixed steel cables, ladders and other aids, according to the Sun.
Longo had been the head of Audi’s operations in Italy since 2013. He joined the company the previous year.
In 1987, he began his career in the automotive industry with Italian carmaker Fiat, where he worked in the marketing department.
Fifteen years later, he joined a rival Italian carmaker, Lancia.
Longo was well known in the winter sports community.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation released a statement mourning his death.
Flavio Roda, the head of the federation, called Longo’s death “a terrible loss for the federation that has collaborated fruitfully with Longo for years.”
“We join the family in this moment of great pain, and with the staff of Audi Italia,” he said.
An Audi spokesperson told The Post: “Fabrizio Longo has been leading the Audi brand in Italy with enormous success since 2013, confirming the brand’s leadership in the premium segment for 11 consecutive years.”
The spokesperson said Longo was “a person of great integrity, culture, capability and sensitivity.”
“He was source of unwavering support,” the Audi rep told The Post, adding: “His strong values and genuine care for each one created a workplace filled with warmth and respect.”
“His infectious enthusiasm and positive energy touched and inspired Audi Italia and its stakeholders daily.”
