Tennis ace, 15, dies after heart attack on court to leave local town in state of shock

Callum Vurley
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:25:30 +0000

Luigi Santarelli, a 15-year-old Italian tennis player from Francavilla al Mare, collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest on 8th April whilst training at the Cittadella dello Sport complex in San Giovanni Teatino.

Witnesses reported the teenager had been chatting and laughing with his coach just moments before he suddenly fell to the ground.

Those present immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation and deployed the facility's automated external defibrillator in an attempt to restart his heart.

Emergency services arrived swiftly with both a medical vehicle and ambulance, continuing intensive efforts to revive the young athlete as he was rushed to Pescara hospital.

Despite prolonged attempts by medical staff, the teenager never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead in the emergency department.

An autopsy was carried out in Chieti on Monday by coroner Pietro Falco, though the examination did not establish a definitive cause of death.

According to ANSA, additional testing including genetic analysis will be required to understand what triggered the fatal cardiac episode in the otherwise healthy young sportsman.

Local authorities had previously launched an investigation into the circumstances, with prosecutors ordering the post-mortem examination.

The sports club confirmed that Santarelli's medical certificates were fully current and showed no concerns.

The teenager's funeral will take place tomorrow at 10:30am at the Cathedral of San Cetteo in Pescara, as announced by San Giovanni Teatino Mayor Giorgio Di Clemente following communication with the family.

Alessia Camplone, a tennis coach at the facility, paid tribute to the talented youngster: "We all called him The Painter because he was brilliant on the court, he could do everything."

Those who knew Santarelli described him as exceptionally athletic and fit, with no prior indication of any health problems. He was known for his dedication to the sport, practising on court nearly every day.

Mayor Di Clemente visited the hospital to offer support to the grieving family and wrote on Facebook expressing condolences on behalf of the entire city administration.

He announced that Sgt Sport would organise memorial events to honour the teenager's memory through the sport he loved.

The sports complex has temporarily closed as a mark of respect, whilst the local community remains in profound shock at the sudden loss of a young man remembered for his smile and sporting passion.