Massimiliano Galletti, a 59-year-old paramedic from San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained from an RPG blast in Kyiv last Monday. He had been aiding combatants on the front lines and was hospitalized for a month following the attack. His daughter, Aurora, paid tribute on social media, stating, “You flew away as a hero for me and for all the people you saved over the years.”
Galletti is the first Italian to die in the Ukrainian conflict. His wife, Donatella Scarponi, shared her anguish, noting that while she knew he had died, she lacked details about where or how. She confirmed that her husband was not a combatant, emphasizing, “He wouldn’t even know how to use a rifle.” Their family was informed of his death by police after confirming the severe injuries he suffered from the explosion.
The mayor of San Benedetto, Antonio Spazzafumo, is working on repatriating Galletti’s body. Galletti had taken a leave of absence from his municipal job to assist in humanitarian efforts, serving as a paramedic alongside search-and-rescue canine units. The local authorities are coordinating with the Italian Foreign Ministry to navigate the logistics of bringing his body home, while the mayor expressed hope for a swift resolution despite challenges remaining in Ukraine.
In an emotional farewell, Aurora reflected on her father’s impact, saying, “You have always been my point of reference—the person I could count on since childhood. I dreamed of having a husband like you. You treated me like a princess.” Her message highlighted the profound loss felt by the family, underscoring Galletti’s legacy as a hero who selflessly served others.
Galletti’s family is adamant about not proceeding with cremation, expressing concern over the lack of information about his condition in the weeks prior to his death. Their attorney, Carla Tiboni, stated that efforts to contact him ceased in early October, prompting a missing persons report to the local police. Unfortunately, they received the tragic news of his passing on October 28. The family is currently awaiting clearance from Ukrainian authorities to allow Galletti’s remains to be returned to Italy.
