The circumstances of the tragedy
The accident occurred at around 9.15 am on the Pedemontana Veneta motorway, inside the tunnel between Malo and Castelgomberto, heading towards Montecchio Maggiore. According to an initial reconstruction, based in part on eye-witness accounts, the car driven by the Salesian priest is believed to have lightly rear-ended the lorry in front of it, and the young priest is said to have got out of the car together with the youth leader to apologise for what had happened. The lorry driver suggested they move the car, as it was in a position that posed a danger to oncoming traffic. However, as soon as they got back into the car, it was violently struck by another oncoming vehicle, before crashing into the concrete barrier marking the edge of the carriageway. The forty-year-old driver of this second car was himself injured.
The Salesian priest and the youth leader were on their way to the Gardaland theme park to meet the boys and girls taking part in the ‘Estate Ragazzi’ summer camp, who were travelling by other means of transport.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the Alto Vicentino area and in Schio in particular, where Fr Andreoli, who turns 37 on 15 July, was universally loved and respected. Just two days ago, he had organised a visit for the children at the summer oratory by Gianluigi Buffon, the former goalkeeper for the Italian national football team and 2006 World Cup winner.
That very afternoon, a Mass was held in their memory at the city’s cathedral.
Memories filled with gratitude
Amidst the grief of the circumstances, the many testimonies to the seeds of goodness sown by the two victims during their short lives are particularly moving. “The tragedy that has struck our community today leaves us deeply saddened,” said the mayor, Cristina Marigo. “We join in the mourning with deep emotion, cherishing the memory of two people who left their mark on the lives of so many. The whole town sends its warmest embrace to the Salesian community and to all those affected by this tragedy.”
“Fr Francesco was a person loved by all, a great builder, a man dedicated to serving our community,” said Carlo Cunegato, Councillor for the Veneto Region. Children, young people and families, instead of sitting alone in front of TikTok, were together. They grew up in each other’s presence, through dialogue and sharing, face to face. On Saturdays, there were Italian language courses for foreigners. Groups fostering connections and relationships, in a world of loneliness. Authenticity, in a world of appearances and pretence. Sport every day, as a training ground for life. He was always there. Tireless (…) All that remains for us is to work to ensure that the seeds sown by Fr Francesco and this young man continue to sprout and bear the fruit of a community which, thanks to them, could truly be called such.”
Another Regional Councillor, Chiara Luisetto, added: “I met Fr Francesco a few weeks ago at the ‘Concordia’ women’s football tournament in Schio, and with his warmth and enthusiasm he immediately drew me into the oratory’s summer projects: a young priest full of love for his community, especially for the youngest members. I am deeply saddened by this double loss; my thoughts at this time go out to those who knew and loved them.”
Indeed, the sports clubs of the Venetian town, closely supported – both in their support and in their commitment to young people – by Fr Andreoli, paid tribute to the Salesian on social media with very meaningful words: “Fr Francesco Andreoli was able to leave his mark on everyone who knew him, starting with his colleagues and his beloved children,” recalls Calcio Schio.
Meanwhile, Concordia Basket shared: “There are people who leave their mark; you did so with the simplicity of the greats. Today, so many of us – so very many – are left with a sense of emptiness. Dear Francesco, we want to remember you with your smile, because every time we met, you reminded us that there is nothing more beautiful than being together, with young people and for young people”.
