Luca Meneghetti (53) from Padua died on the Croatian island of Cres under yet undetermined circumstances. He was last in contact with acquaintances on August 12, and his body was found in a pine forest next to his car.
According to reports from Corriere della Sera, Luca Meneghetti (53), who managed the Tennis Torre club in Padua, lost his life on the Croatian island of Cres, with the cause of death yet to be determined. Based on initial data, testimonies, and information from the management of the accommodation where he was staying, Meneghetti was vacationing on the island. His phone was unreachable, and he last contacted acquaintances on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
As Corriere reports, shortly before his death, Meneghetti allegedly set out on a trip with the intention of swimming to a nearby islet. Authorities leading the investigation are trying to determine whether he actually headed to that location. It is believed he suffered a health incident in a nearby pine forest, where his lifeless body was found next to his car.
When the owners of the apartment where he was staying realized he had not returned even after two days, they notified the relevant authorities. According to Padova Oggi, the police station in Mali Lošinj requested assistance from the mountain rescue service in Rijeka for the Lubenice area. More than ten rescuers arrived on the scene, thoroughly searching the entire area, also using a drone. Although the terrain was challenging, the body was discovered within a few hours.
Corriere della Sera further reports that 13 members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service were involved in the search. Police inspectors are now trying to determine whether Meneghetti managed to swim to the islet and whether he may have fallen ill during the return. Corriere della Sera journalist Dimitri Canello wrote: "After two days without news from him, wondering what had happened, the terrible truth came to light following the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which responded to initial reports. Luca Meneghetti, 53, manager of the Tennis Torre club in Padua, died from causes still under investigation in Cres, Croatia."
"His last photo dates from Wednesday, when he sent a message via WhatsApp to a mutual friend. After that, there was no further news," said his business partner from Tennis Torre, Daniele Qualdi.
The cause of death is not yet known; although a sudden health issue is suspected, other possibilities are also being considered, Corriere reports. Meneghetti, who previously worked as a photojournalist for Il Gazzettino, often took short trips to Croatia. He was also in Croatia in July, Qualdi said.
Meneghetti was well known in Padua and the surrounding area. Friends describe him as a man with an adventurous spirit who often traveled alone. News of his death quickly spread among friends and acquaintances, who paid tribute to him in Facebook posts. "This news completely caught me off guard," wrote his friend Ivone Mazzocchi. "I am truly sorry; it was wonderful to know you. I will always remember our meetings with nostalgia."
