A man has died after his electric wheelchair collided with a car driven by Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez in northern Italy.
The fatal incident occurred in the province of Como, near Lake Como, on Monday evening. According to local authorities, the wheelchair is believed to have veered into the path of Martinez’s vehicle as it travelled alongside a main road.
Italian police confirmed to Reuters that the 27-year-old Spanish goalkeeper immediately stopped his car and attempted to assist the victim, but the man succumbed to his injuries before emergency services could arrive.
“The car driven by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez hit a man who was in an electric wheelchair travelling on a cycle path alongside a road in the province of Como,” police said in a statement. “Martinez stopped his car in order to help the man, who died before the arrival of the ambulance.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether any mechanical issues, road conditions, or visibility factors played a role. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of his family.
Inter Milan cancelled a planned pre-match news conference on Tuesday, where manager Simone Inzaghi had been scheduled to speak ahead of Wednesday’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina at San Siro. The club also confirmed it would make no further comment while the police inquiry continues.
“Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and those affected by this tragedy, the club will not be releasing any statement at this time,” an Inter source told Italian media.
Local reports suggest that Martinez was left deeply shaken by the incident. Witnesses described him as “visibly distressed” as he stayed at the scene, cooperating fully with officers and paramedics. He has not been charged with any offence, and early indications suggest the collision was accidental.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with supporters and fellow players expressing condolences to the victim’s family and to Martinez. Several Italian football figures have also urged restraint and respect for the ongoing investigation.
Martinez joined Inter Milan from Genoa in 2024 and has been serving as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Yann Sommer. Known for his composure and agility, the Spain international has made 12 appearances for the Nerazzurri since his arrival, including in the Champions League earlier this season.
Born in Alzira, Spain, Martinez began his professional career with Las Palmas before moving to RB Leipzig in 2020. He later returned to Italy, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s reliable goalkeepers during his spell at Genoa, where his performances earned him a national team debut for Spain in 2021.
His single international cap came in a friendly against Lithuania, where he impressed with a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory.
While Inter Milan are yet to clarify whether Martinez will be available for selection against Fiorentina, reports in Italy suggest he may be granted compassionate leave as the investigation proceeds.
Como police are expected to release additional details later this week following forensic analysis and witness interviews. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby traffic cameras to better understand the sequence of events.
For now, both Martinez and Inter Milan find themselves at the centre of a tragedy that has cast a shadow over Italian football.
One local newspaper described the atmosphere at Inter’s training base as “somber,” with teammates said to be offering private support to the goalkeeper.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the victim’s family, who are being assisted by local authorities.
A police spokesperson summarised: “This is a tragic accident. We ask for privacy and respect for all those involved.”
