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Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for ‘incredible' rider
He was described as "irreplaceable" and "always a bright light" 'always a bright light' Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for 'incredible' rider Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE world of cycling is in mourning following the death of promising rider, Samuele Privitera. Privitera, 19, was killed in a crash during a descent in the first stage of the Giro Valle d'Aosta in Pontey, Italy, on Wednesday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Samuele Privitera has been killed in a fatal bike crash Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 The 19-year-old has been described 'irreplacable' following his tragic loss Credit: Getty He was rushed to hospital following the accident, but sadly passed away there due to his injuries. As a result of the devastating news, organisers have taken the decision to cancel the second stage of the event which had been scheduled for today. Instead, racing will resume on Friday from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo, and will be preceded by a moment of silence. The initial stretch of the stage will also be neutralised in memory of Privitera. READ MORE IN CYCLING DE TOUR Infamous abandoned F1 track that left icon blind used for different sport The young star was riding for Hagens Berman Jayco in the Under-23 race. In tribute, team owner and general manager, Axel Merckx released an emotional statement, calling him "irreplaceable" and "always a bright light". The full statement on the team's social media page said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear. "Our rider, our team-mate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d'Aosta. Sir Jim Ratcliffe robbed of INEOS victory as race cancelled after most riders miss finish line "Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. "He was irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words. "Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day. "He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his team-mates. "Please keep Samuele's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead. "On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honouring Samuele's memory. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team." Privitera was known as a good climber and finished 63rd in the last edition of the Tour of Italy for Under-23 riders. Other cycling teams also penned heartfelt tributes to the teenager. GreenEDGE Cycling said: "The entire organisation mourns the loss of such an incredible, talented rider, with a big heart and special personality." UCI said: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele's loss is felt across the cycling community." Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Samuele Privitera, 19 years old, while racing Giro Valle d'Aosta. "Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz and the entire Intermarché-Wanty family stands by his team @HBAxeon and his loved ones." Team Israel - Premier Tech added: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Samuele's family and friends, the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and the Valle d'Aosta peloton after this devastating loss."


The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for ‘incredible' rider
THE world of cycling is in mourning following the death of promising rider, Samuele Privitera. Privitera, 19, was killed in a crash during a descent in the first stage of the Giro Valle d'Aosta in Pontey, Italy, on Wednesday. 2 Samuele Privitera has been killed in a fatal bike crash Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 The 19-year-old has been described 'irreplacable' following his tragic loss Credit: Getty He was rushed to hospital following the crash, but sadly passed away there due to his injuries. As a result of the devastating news, organisers have taken the decision to cancel the second stage of the event which had been scheduled for today. Instead, racing will resume on Friday from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo, and will be preceded by a moment of silence. The initial stretch of the stage will also be neutralised in memory of Privitera. READ MORE IN CYCLING The young star was riding for Hagens Berman Jayco in the Under-23 race. In tribute, team owner and general manager, Axel Merckx released an emotional statement, calling him "irreplaceable" and "always a bright light". The full statement on the team's social media page said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear. "Our rider, our team-mate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d'Aosta. Most read in Cycling Sir Jim Ratcliffe robbed of INEOS victory as race cancelled after most riders miss finish line "Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. "He was irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words. "Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day. "He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his team-mates. "Please keep Samuele's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead. "On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honouring Samuele's memory. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team." Privitera was known as a good climber and finished 63rd in the last edition of the Tour of Italy for Under-23 riders. Other cycling teams also penned heartfelt tributes to the teenager. GreenEDGE Cycling said: "The entire organisation mourns the loss of such an incredible, talented rider, with a big heart and special personality." UCI said: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele's loss is felt across the cycling community." Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Samuele Privitera, 19 years old, while racing Giro Valle d'Aosta. "Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz and the entire Intermarché-Wanty family stands by his team @HBAxeon and his loved ones." Team Israel - Premier Tech added: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Samuele's family and friends, the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and the Valle d'Aosta peloton after this devastating loss."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marotta: No comment on refs, Inzaghi-Saudi talk
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. On Friday, May 23 at 20:45, Inter will face Como at the Sinigaglia stadium for the 38th and final matchday of Serie A. The Nerazzurri, currently second with one point behind Napoli, must win and hope for a misstep by the Neapolitans against Cagliari to conquer the Scudetto. The team arrives with the best attack in the championship (77 goals) and the memory of the 2-0 victory in the first leg, signed by Carlos Augusto and Thuram. It will be a fiery finale, with the two decisive matches – Como-Inter and Napoli-Cagliari – taking place constantly updated, for the live text click on the match card above. Inter president Beppe Marotta spoke to DAZN: "We have the obligation to believe. The players know it's an important game. Destiny is not in our hands. Referees? Silence is a form of communication to be interpreted and explained. At that moment, there was tension and it had to be managed". "The championship is like a Tour of Italy, in the Champions League there are circumstances that help you. This year we played 15 more games than the others". "Inzaghi and Arabia? The contract still has a year left. We have a great symbiotic relationship, he is the main architect of this 4-year cycle. On our part, we want to continue. I don't think there are any bells ringing from his side. When the time is right, we will discuss and evaluate the renewal". Cesc Fabregas spoke to DAZN before Como: "Winning today? It would be putting the finishing touches on a beautiful season, a season of highs and lows, but with the continuity of our game idea, and this has been our strength, the fact that we haven't changed. When doubts arise, it's the worst moment for a team, for a club. When you believe a lot in an idea, then you can do beautiful things. A little time is missing, it's sometimes difficult for the kids to learn to take a little time, you have to have the will to do it". "You always have to grow, I'm the first to push the kids and the club, I think we have great potential, but with a change every 6 months of 10-12 players, you have to start from scratch every time. I think we've done a great job, let's see what next season brings, but I'm very serene, we know what we want". "Helping Conte? No, in football, there are no friends: I respect him but we don't have to do more. We have to do our best to win, then we'll see". 🧨 What Inter needs to become champions 90 minutes from the end of the championship, Inter is forced to chase: second with 78 points, just one point behind Napoli. To win the Scudetto, the Nerazzurri must beat Como and hope that Napoli does not win against Cagliari. In case of a draw or defeat for the Azzurri and a simultaneous Inter win, Inzaghi's team would overtake Napoli and win the title for the second consecutive season. If Napoli wins, any result for Inter would be useless. COMO (4-3-3): Reina; Vojvoda, Van Der Brempt, Smolcic, Valle; Caqueret, Perrone, Da Cunha; Paz, Douvikas, Strefezza. Coach Fabregas INTER (3-4-2-1): Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Darmian, Calhanoglu, Asllani, Dimarco - Correa, Zalewski - Taremi. Coach Farris 📸 PIERO CRUCIATTI - AFP or licensors


Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Witness to death row execution gives chilling account of inmate's final moments
Benjamin Ritchie became the second person executed in Indiana in 15 years on Tuesday as, more than two decades after killing a police officer, the inmate was given a lethal injection A murderer who shot a police officer was killed on death row on Tuesday - after the victim's family insisted "it's time" for the sentence. Benjamin Ritchie's lawyer described the moment the 45-year-old man was given the lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Steve Schutte, the attorney, told reporters: "I couldn't see his face. He was lying flat by that time. He sat up, twitched, laid back down." Under state law, Ritchie was allowed five witnesses at his execution, including Mr Schutte. Before he became the second person executed in Indiana in 15 years, Ritchie uttered his last words: "I love my family, my friends, and all the support I've gotten. I hope they all find peace." The dad had been on death row since 2002 when he was convicted of killing Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney during a chase on foot. Mr Toney's family and friends stood outside the prison on Tuesday while the execution happened. Speaking last week ahead of the execution, Mr Toney's wife Dee Dee Horen said: "It's time. We're all tired. It is time for this chapter of my story, our story, to be closed. It's time for us to remember Bill, to remember Bill's life, and not his death." The US Supreme Court declined to take the case, exhausting all of Ritchie's legal options to fight the death sentence. The father ate his last meal - a Tour of Italy dish from Olive Garden, which consists of Chicken Parmigiana, Lasangna Classico and Fettuccine Alfredo on one plate - and was then put to rest. But his attorneys had argued the death penalty was not appropriate, claiming the man was no longer "the same person who committed that crime." Mr Schutte told the court: "This is a foolish, senseless, agonising waste of time and money." Anti-death penalty advocates gathered outside the jail on Tuesday too. Indiana only resumed executions in December after a years-long hiatus. The state is one of eight, also including Texas and Tennessee, to permit executions. Ritchie was 20 when he and others stole a van in Beech Grove, near Indianapolis. He then fired at Toney during a foot chase, killing him. At the time, Ritchie was on probation from a 1998 burglary conviction. Mr Toney, 31, had worked at the Beech Grove Police Department for two years. The married father of two was the first officer of the small department to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty. In April, a murderer finally apologised for killing a young mum - minutes before he was executed on death row in Texas. Moises Sandoval Mendoza had spent more than 20 years in a state prison in Huntsville, Texas for the murder of Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson, whom he strangled and stabbed.


Chicago Tribune
20-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Vigil held outside Indiana State Prison hours before inmate executed
A small group, most wearing light jackets in the chilly May evening, gathered in prayer outside the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City Monday night just hours before Benjamin Ritchie was executed by lethal injection. Diocese of Gary Rev. Richard Holy, the diocese's director of pro-life activities, led the vigil of around a dozen people to pray for the end of the death penalty, for lawyers who help inmates on death row, and the prison workers who administer the execution. The group also prayed for the family of Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney, who Ritchie fatally shot nearly 25 years ago. Holy said Monday night was likely 'an evening of closure' for Toney's family, as well as a difficult night for them. 'We don't need to take more life in order to protect society,' Holy said. 'People on death row can serve out life in prison, and that's absolutely no picnic. They are paying for their crime everyday.' Ritchie, 45, had been on Indiana's death row since 2002, when he was convicted of killing Toney during a foot chase. Ritchie was executed shortly after midnight Tuesday in the state's second execution in just over five months. Ritchie was executed at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, according to Indiana Department of Correction officials, in a process that started shortly after midnight Tuesday. Ritchie was pronounced dead at 12:46 a.m. Ritchie's last meal was the Tour of Italy from Olive Garden, according to the IDOC statement. His last words were: 'I love my family, my friends and all the support I've gotten. I hope they all find peace.' Under state law, he was allowed five witnesses at his execution, which included his attorney Steve Schutte, who told reporters he had a limited view of the process. 'I couldn't see his face. He was lying flat by that time,' Schutte said. 'He sat up, twitched, laid back down.' During his clemency hearing on May 5, Ritchie said that on Sept. 29, 2000, he was with a group of guys and they stole a car from a gas station with the goal of reselling its rims. Ritchie, who was 20 years old and on court supervision at the time, said when police officers pulled up behind them it felt like 'everything sped up.' 'It's like if you had a fast-forward button on a movie and you hit the button. Everything sped out of control so fast,' Ritchie said. Ritchie said he shouldn't have stolen a car or had a gun that night. When the officers arrived, Ritchie said he should've just got out of the car and accepted the consequences. 'That night was … a train that left the station with no breaks,' Ritchie said. 'Multiple bad decisions led to losing the life of a man who should be here today.' In referencing his behavior during his sentencing, Ritchie said he shouldn't have been rude to Toney's wife. 'I had no business mouthing off to that lady,' Ritchie said. 'She had every right to say what she wanted to say to me.' Killing Toney was a 'horrible' decision, Ritchie said, but Toney's memory 'could best be served' with Ritchie spending the rest of his life in jail offering support to other inmates. During a public hearing May 12, Toney's wife Dee Dee Horen addressed the board and told them Toney was one day shy of his 32nd birthday the day he died. At the time of his death, his daughters were 4 years old and 18 months old, she said, and now his daughters are 29 and 26. The 'final justice' Toney deserves, she said, is the parole board denying Ritchie's clemency. Horen told the board she attended Ritchie's clemency hearing and she didn't hear remorse but rather excuses. Horen said Ritchie chose to kill Toney, then he chose to have Bill's unit number tattooed on his neck — in the same place Toney was fatally wounded — and he chose to call her expletives in court. 'It's time. I'm tired,' Horen said. 'It's time for this chapter of my story, our story, to be closed. It's time for us to remember Bill, to remember Bill's life, and not his death.' During the public hearing, experts presented evidence and testimony about Ritchie's recent diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. The parole board also considered Ritchie's abuse and neglect as a child, Indiana Parole Board Chair Gwendolyn Horth wrote in a letter to Gov. Mike Braun. A jury determined that Ritchie 'would ultimately be put to death for his egregious actions,' Horth wrote. Toney's family, friends and fellow police officers 'have patiently waited for the day when that sentence would be fulfilled,' Horth wrote. Ultimately, the board recommended denying Ritchie's clemency petition. Braun rejected Ritchie's clemency last week without explanation. Indiana resumed executions in December after a nearly 15-year hiatus due to a scarcity of lethal injection drugs nationwide. When executions resumed, there were eight men on death row. Joseph Corcoran was executed in December, followed by Ritchie on Tuesday. The Indiana Department of Correction has been in a legal battle over the release of the name of the manufacturer of its execution drug, which is pentobarbital. Prison officials in Indiana and other states have argued they will face trouble obtaining drugs for future executions if their suppliers believe they could be exposed. Some drug companies have refused to sell medications to states if they will be used for executions. As the sun set outside the Michigan City prison Monday night, Holy said Ritchie had expressed remorse for his actions. Ritchie could've helped inmates within the prison, Holy said. 'Taking the life of the person who committed that crime doesn't change it, and won't change it. It won't take away the hurt. It won't bring the person back,' Holy said. 'I can't express more sorrow for Officer Toney's family and his fellow officers, but 20-some years later, this is not going to change anything of what happened.' Frank Zolvinski, who is a Deacon at Holy Family Parish in LaPorte, said he came to the vigil to pray for the abolition of the death penalty as well as for Toney and Ritchie. 'I find it unconscionable that our Governor Mike Braun, who happens to be Catholic, would not have compassion enough to stay the execution or grant him life in prison,' Zolvinski said. Braun released a brief statement Tuesday reiterating Ritchie's legal process since his conviction in 2002. 'Today, Ritchie's sentence has been carried out as ordered by the court,' Braun said. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a statement Tuesday stating Ritchie's execution 'ensures that justice was done to honor Officer Toney's sacrifice for his community,' 'With the Indiana Supreme Court's decision to set his execution date and the state's resolve to carry it out, we have reaffirmed our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities. Let this serve as a message to those who would harm our men and women in law enforcement,' Rokita said.