ROME– Lorenzo, a 5-year-old boy from Taranto, has died after battling cancer caused by pollution from the Ilva steelworks.

 On Wednesday evening Lorenzo lost his battle against the illness. The child had become a symbol for the fight against the pollution caused by Ilva, the greatest steelwork establishment in Italy, in Taranto.

Lorenzo’s tragic struggle with the disease was made public by his father, Mauro Zaratta, when he took part in a demonstration against the deadly pollution.

 Mr. Zaratta announced the child’s death on Facebook: “Dear friends, I wanted to let you know that Lorenzino tricked us… he wanted to become an angel…”

 Lorenzo’s family had moved to Florence in order to provide better care for the child.