Italian soldier Noemi Saetta, 23, dies of respiratory crisis on military bus in Rome

The incident

Noemi Saetta, a 23-year-old soldier from Velletri, was on a military bus travelling from the Tor di Quinto barracks to the Palafiera in Fiumicino on the morning of 26 June. She was part of a patrol detail assigned to a public competition for the judiciary. While the bus was on the Grande Raccordo Anulare, Saetta suddenly collapsed, suffering what her father later described as an inexorable respiratory crisis.

Attempts to save her

Army medics on board began resuscitation immediately, and the bus was stopped. Despite prolonged efforts, she could not be revived. Saetta was rushed to Aurelia Hospital but arrived without vital signs. The Rome Prosecutor's Office has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

A father's grief

Renato Saetta, her father, spoke of losing his daughter in seconds. He posted a long message on social media that mixed sorrow with pride: she loved her uniform and he would make sure she wore it for her final journey. "My heart has split in half," he wrote. "Give me the strength to survive this immense pain." The family also includes mother Katia and 16-year-old brother Willy.

In a few seconds I lost my daughter. An inexorable respiratory crisis took her away from me. The army medics tried for a long time to resuscitate her on the bus, but there was nothing to be done.

Official reaction

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto issued a statement expressing his deep sadness and offering condolences to the family, General Carmine Masiello, and all army colleagues. "With profound sadness I learned of the passing of Soldier Noemi Saetta," Crosetto said, extending the sympathy of the entire Defence establishment.

With profound sadness I learned of the passing of Soldier Noemi Saetta of the Lancieri di Montebello regiment, who died following a sudden illness while on duty. On behalf of myself and the entire Defence staff, I extend my sincerest condolences to her family, the Army Chief of Staff, and all her army colleagues.

The soldier behind the uniform

Saetta had volunteered for military service after graduating from a hospitality institute in Velletri. She completed over a year of training in Ascoli and Puglia and had been serving with the Lancieri di Montebello regiment in Rome since the previous September. Friends and neighbours in the Castelli Romani area recalled a serious, studious young woman who had achieved her dream of becoming a soldier.