A tragic accident marred Tuesday morning for Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who was involved in a fatal collision while driving to training near the club’s base in Appiano Gentile, in Italy’s Como province. The 27-year-old Spanish player reportedly struck an 81-year-old man who was travelling in an electric wheelchair along a provincial road.
According to police reports, preliminary investigations suggest that the elderly man may have suffered a sudden medical episode, veering into the path of Josep Martínez’s vehicle. Despite Josep Martínez’s attempt to brake and swerve, the impact proved unavoidable. Emergency services, including an ambulance and aerial rescue unit, arrived swiftly at the scene but were unable to revive the victim, who was pronounced dead shortly after.
Witnesses confirmed that Josep Martínez immediately stopped to assist and cooperated with authorities. The goalkeeper was physically unharmed but described as “deeply shaken” by the incident, which occurred just minutes away from Inter’s training complex.
Inter Milan Reacts to the Tragedy
In the aftermath, Inter Milan cancelled a scheduled press conference with head coach Cristian Chivu as a mark of respect for the deceased and acknowledgment of the sensitive nature of the situation. The club also extended its condolences to the victim’s family and refrained from making further public comments pending the outcome of official investigations.
The atmosphere around the club has reportedly been sombre, with players and staff rallying around Josep Martínez. A source close to the team described the goalkeeper as “distraught and inconsolable,” emphasizing that the event has had a visible emotional impact on him and the squad. Training sessions were kept closed to the media for the day, with focus placed on supporting the player’s well-being.
While Inter have not released a formal statement beyond confirming their cooperation with authorities, the cancellation of media engagements underlined the gravity with which the club is treating the situation.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Italian law enforcement has launched a formal inquiry into the crash, in line with standard procedures for fatal road accidents. Josep Martínez was subjected to mandatory blood and drug testing, the results of which are pending. Investigators are also analyzing the vehicle’s speed, braking distance, and the exact trajectory of both parties involved.
Under Article 589 of the Italian Criminal Code, which covers vehicular manslaughter due to negligence, penalties range from two to seven years in prison if a driver is found culpable. However, police sources have stressed that early indications suggest the victim’s sudden medical episode might absolve Josep Martínez of negligence, pending official verification.
Authorities have also begun reconstructing the scene, using CCTV footage and eyewitness statements to determine whether the wheelchair user was in a designated lane or had veered unexpectedly onto the road. The results of this analysis will be key in determining whether the incident is classified as a tragic accident or subject to legal prosecution.
Profile of Josep Martinez: A Rising Goalkeeper Facing Unforeseen Circumstances
Josep Martínez, 27, joined Inter Milan in 2024 from Genoa, where he had earned a reputation as one of Serie A’s most dependable goalkeepers. Serving primarily as the club’s second-choice behind Yann Sommer, Martínez was widely regarded as a steady and disciplined professional.
Born in Alzira, Spain, Josep Martínez began his career at Barcelona’s youth academy before moving to Las Palmas and later to RB Leipzig in Germany. His career trajectory has reflected patience and professionalism—qualities now being tested in an unexpected and deeply personal ordeal.
The accident site, a provincial road adjacent to a cycle and pedestrian lane, is commonly used by residents heading toward the nearby town centre. Reports indicate that the victim may have been using this path before veering slightly onto the carriageway, raising broader safety concerns about shared mobility routes for elderly and disabled individuals.
Broader Implications and Reflection
For Josep Martínez, the next few weeks will be defined by cooperation with investigators and efforts to process the emotional aftermath of the tragedy. Even if cleared of wrongdoing, the psychological toll is expected to be significant. Those close to him describe the goalkeeper as “devastated” and “haunted by the event.”
For Inter Milan, the incident poses both emotional and logistical challenges. The club must balance compassion and professionalism, ensuring Josep Martínez receives appropriate support while maintaining focus on their competitive schedule. The club’s management has already discussed providing counseling services for players affected by the news.
Beyond football, the incident highlights an important societal concern—road safety for vulnerable groups such as elderly or disabled individuals using mobility aids. Authorities and safety advocates have renewed calls for improved infrastructure, clearer road markings, and stricter safety guidelines around mixed-use lanes.
