Giulia Ituma, a prominent member of the Italian women’s volleyball program, died after a fall from a hotel window in Istanbul. Italian media reported that the incident occurred following a European competition match in which Novara faced Eczacıbaşı, losing the contest 0:3. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, and suicide is among the possibilities being considered as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Ituma, who represented Italy in international competitions, had earned gold medals at the European Youth Championship, the World Championship, and the Youth Olympic Games during her career. Born in Milan and of Nigerian descent, she grew up in a city known for its strong volleyball culture, and she was regarded as a rising star within the national program. Her untimely death is a significant blow to the Italian volleyball community, which has rallied to remember her contributions on and off the court.
Support poured in from the volleyball world and beyond as tributes highlighted Ituma’s talent, character, and the impact she had on teammates and coaches. Mauro Berruto, a former head coach of the Italian men’s national team, expressed his condolences, noting the shock and sadness surrounding the loss. He extended thoughts to Ituma’s family, her club, and the broader volleyball family, emphasizing the sense of shared grief within the sport’s Italian community.
In related news, there were prior reports concerning the passing of so-called freestyle athlete Pavel Krotov, who participated in multiple Olympic Games. His death, noted in previous coverage, added to a period of reflection within the athletics and sports communities about the pressures faced by elite competitors and the importance of mental health and safety in high-performance environments.
As investigations continue, officials are expected to release further details about the events leading up to the tragedy, as well as any factors that may have contributed to the incident. The Italian volleyball federation and the clubs involved have asked supporters to respect the privacy of those affected while they process this loss and assess any necessary safety and welfare measures for players and staff traveling for international competition.