Top Audi Executive Dies in 10,000-Foot Fall While Climbing Near Italian-Swiss Border

Fabrizio Longo, 62, who headed Audi operations in Italy, died on Sunday, according to reports.

Fabrizio Longo, 62, head of Audi’s operations in Italy and an experienced mountaineer, tragically fell to his death while climbing the Cima Payer in the Adamello mountains on Sunday. The accident occurred just a few miles from the Italian-Swiss border.

Longo was climbing the Cima Payer in the Adamello mountains in northern Italy.

Longo was nearing the summit when he fell 700 feet into a gorge. A fellow climber witnessed the fall and alerted rescue teams, who pronounced Longo dead at the scene. His body was later transported to the nearby town of Carisolo, and an investigation has been launched.

Longo, an avid mountain climber, is reported to have fallen from the summit of a 10,000-foot-high peak.

Longo, who had led Audi Italy since 2013, was well-known in the winter sports community. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation expressed deep sorrow over his passing, calling it a "terrible loss." Audi praised Longo as a leader of integrity and a source of unwavering support, noting his contributions to the company and the positive energy he brought to the workplace.

Longo has headed Audi's Italy-based operations since 2013.