Italian singer Laura Pausini is mourning the loss of her uncle Ettore, aged 78, who died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on the outskirts of Bologna. The fatal collision occurred on Via degli Stradelli Guelfi, between Castenaso and San Lazzaro di Savena, as the lifelong cycling enthusiast was returning from one of his regular rides.
According to early reports, an Opel Astra hit the bicycle head-on, throwing the man violently to the ground. The driver did not stop to help and sped away. Emergency services and police rushed to the scene, but despite all efforts, Ettore Pausini could not be saved.
Investigators are reviewing security footage from nearby cameras and searching for the light-colored, older-model car, which may have been abandoned in the outskirts. The investigation is being coordinated by the Bologna Prosecutor’s Office.
Born in Solarolo, the same hometown as his famous niece, Ettore was a well-known figure in Bologna. For over thirty years, he had worked as a barber in Piazza Azzarita, becoming a fixture of the local community. In recent years, after recovering from cancer, he had become a spokesperson for the Onconauti Association, which helps cancer patients rebuild their lives.