Italian Man Killed In Freak Winemaking Accident

An Italian winemaker has died in a freak accident just days before his 45th birthday, local outlet Il Gazzettino reported.

Matteo Forner Died Last Week Due to a Freak Accident

On the evening of Oct. 10, Matteo Forner was conducting routine closing procedures on the winery he helped his family to build in the region of Grappa. As he was cleaning the grape press, the machine accidentally activated and trapped the victim inside, breaking his neck and killing him immediately. The tragic episode was witnessed by Matteo’s father, Lino Forner, who was powerless to stop the powerful machine.

He Was a Respected Businessman and Elected Official

Both Matteo and his father believed the machine to be turned off and entirely disconnected from power during the cleaning. However, the machine was actually off due to a temporary power outage, and when the electricity came back on the machine reactivated. In addition to his winery business, Matteo was an elected official, having been elected to Grappa’s city council following a 2022 election.

“Before being a city councilor, Matteo was a dear friend,” Grappa’s mayor, Paolo Mares, said. “He was kind and helpful, a tireless worker. I remember when, some time ago, due to bad weather, I asked the councilors for help with a tree trunk that had fallen onto a road due to the rain. He was the first to respond, and within 20 minutes the tree was gone."

Mares continued: "Work-wise, he was a monster, and it was evident in the work he did at the winery. Today we lose a truly precious person, and for the entire community as well. The only thing I know, in the darkness of this tragedy, is that the Forner family is a strong family. It's in their blood. And I'm sure the same is true for Matteo's son."

Matteo is survived by his parents, brother, sister, and 15-year-old son.