Vela Basket mourns the death of the very young Gabriele Martini

The basketball world—and Vela Basket in particular—is in deep shock over the death of the very young Gabriele Martini. ““Last night, following a tragic car accident in Marina di Pietrasanta, Gabriele Martini, born in 2009, passed away,” reads a post on the club’s official Facebook page.

“Gabriele was part of our sports family, wearing the colors of Vela Basket’s youth teams. We remember him as a young man, full of energy and passion, and those moments we shared on the court will remain in our memories. The entire club, the coaches, his teammates, and the families of Vela Basket extend their heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this time of immense grief,” the statement continues.

“Goodbye, Gabriele, keep playing up there… We won’t forget you,” concludes the statement, which was immediately followed by messages of condolence for the family: “Oh my goodness, what news. Nothing but thoughts and concern,” “I’m the mother of a boy his age who also plays basketball,” “An unfathomable pain for the family and a life still to be lived, cut short in an instant.”

Gabriele Martini was riding his motorcycle when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. According to reports in *Corriere della Sera*, police later apprehended the alleged perpetrator of the fatal collision, who was in the vehicle with other people.