ROME -- Raphael Schumacher is in a coma after a scene in the play he was appearing in went awry and the 27-year-old, Brunate-born actor was hanged too realistically on stage, hospital officials said Thursday.  The play, an experimental piece called ‘Miraggi’ (Mirages), was taking place in Pisa – an immersive six-scene performance, staged in different parts of the theatre, the hanging took place at the end of Schumacher’s monologue in the courtyard of the theatre, where the noose had been suspended from a fig tree.

He was reportedly wearing a mask for the scene, which had been performed successfully earlier that evening with the use of a fake noose and a harness to catch him as he fell.  Fortunately for Schumacher a recent medical graduate, who was watching the play, realised that something was wrong as she noticed the actor trembling in the noose and made it aware that he was being strangled.  It was not until this point that he was lowered to the ground as she called 118.  The actor was reported to already be unconscious when the ambulance took him to hospital.

 Reports indicate that a box on which Schumacher should have stood whilst he wore the noose had been moved.  Police are investigating the theatre for any signs of negligence.  They are satisfied however that there are two possible options: That of an intentional suicide or that of a tragic, and potentially fatal, accident.

 The actor’s mother, however, has rejected their theory that it was a possible suicide, stating “He didn’t leave any messages and had no reason to kill himself”.  This is despite the revelation from Gabriele De Luca, the art director at the theatre, that Schumacher has changed the script at the last minute, opting for the noose instead of a fake gunshot.

 Reports this morning tell us that Raphael Schumacher is in an increasingly desperate state in the intensive-care unit of Pisa’s main hospital, where doctors say he is not responding to treatment.  They have also stated that they have informed his mother that the young actor could succumb to a heart attack or stroke at any minute.

 UPDATE:  Mr Schumacher unfortunately died late on Thursday evening.

 jp-ch