ROME – Tributes have poured in for Timothy Dal Bello, 16, who died after being hit by a 92-year-old motorist. His death was confirmed by the hospital in Treviso on Monday evening. Following the accident that shocked the whole community of Pagnano d’Asolo, near Venice, a debate has started about whether there should be an age limit for drivers.

 Angelo Fantato, 92, had a heart attack while behind the wheel and lost control of his car, crashing into four teenage boys on three mopeds.

 Timothy Dal Bello was one of them. He hit his head on impact and was transported to Treviso hospital in a serious condition.  He was placed in the neurosurgical intensive care unit; however he died on Monday evening.

 Questions were raised about the validity of Fantato’s driver’s license, but all his documents were in order. He was due to renew his license soon, which had last been issued in 2022. Italian drivers over the age of 80 must renew their license every two years.

 Timothy’s friends, who shared his passion for motorbikes, hit out at the accident, saying “you can’t let a 92-year-old drive, it’s dangerous.” Some of them suggested that people aged 70 and above should give up their driving licenses, others saying that was not enough and that “old people must also have their car keys taken away otherwise they’ll drive all the same.”

 Fantato’s family said he was always respecting of the rules and always careful when driving. They were shocked at his passing saying, “he was healthy.”

 The Mayor of Asolo gave his “heartfelt condolences”, saying he felt a “deep sadness” at Timothy’s “untimely death”, offering support to Timothy’s parents and two sisters.

 He also offered condolences and support to Angelo Fantato’s family, including his wife who was in the car at the time of the accident.

 Meanwhile in Rome, a court has sentenced youtuber Matteo Di Pietro to four years and four months in prison for killing a 5-year-old in a car crash last June. 

 khg