The remains of Sergeants Simone Ruggia and Claudio Marchesi, along with Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci of the Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross, arrived at Rome’s Ciampino Airport. The four died in the Italian helicopter crash in Bosnia-Erzegovina during a training flight on October 29.
President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani were present to receive the coffins.
A public viewing was then opened at the Celio military hospital in Rome, drawing relatives, colleagues and citizens. The chapel of rest will remain accessible until 8 p.m.
Relatives and colleagues remembered the victims with affection. Marchesi’s aunt described him as exceptionally kind and exuberant. A colleague of Ruggia, who worked with him in Viterbo, called him a very good person, friend and colleague, recalling that they had spoken shortly before his departure for Bosnia. He said Ruggia had been enthusiastic about the mission and had recently married.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 3, at 9 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.