Vivian Alexandra Spohr, 51, is most recognizable as the leader of "Help Alliance," the charity that supports children's initiatives globally for Lufthansa. She is married to Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa since 2014. The Spohrs are originally from Munich and have two daughters, but in addition to their time in Germany, they have vacation homes in other parts of Europe. Friends characterize Vivian as enthusiastic and philanthropic, and she is often seen with her husband at corporate and cultural events. Suffice it to say, she was fairly unknown before this week, but the Sardinia incident placed her - and Lufthansa - in to the global media spotlight.
What Happened in Italy?
Tuesday, 8 July 2025, ~3 p.m. Witnesses reported that Vivian was driving a BMW X5 through Porto Cervo - a luxury resort on Costa Smeralda - when she struck 24-year-old babysitter Gaia Costa at a designated pedestrian crossing. Initial reports from the incident, suggest that Spohr continued for several meters after the initial collision, before bystanders got her attention; after she returned to the scene she passed out from shock and put out a call for help.
Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, but unfortunately Costa succumbed at the site with severe head injuries. Italian traffic police conducted a breathalyzer and field drug test on Spohr, both tests were reported as negative. They did confiscate CCTV video from a nearby store and aerial drone footage from a police helicopter; plus her mobile device as they seek to determine whether distraction played a role.
Why Did the Wife of Lufthansa's CEO leave Italy?
Per Italian law, unless otherwise ordered by a judge, a foreign national can leave Italy. Police assured that Spohr only turned it over for identification and was not arrested; she was free to leave once she had provided a clipboard statement and a brief reparation of the facts. On Thursday 10 July, Spohr travelled back to Munich on a commercial Lufthansa flight with the help of her legal council. Her lawyer states that his client is going to "fully co-operate" with the Sardinian prosecutor's office, and will return if summoned to do so. Italian media sources are making it clear that just because Spohr left Italy does not mean that the negligent-homicide investigation is over, but at this stage there was no legal authority to prevent her from leaving.
Was there anybody else involved in the accident?
The only victim was Gaia Costa, a local resident that was walking to an afternoon babysitting job. No one in Spohr's vehicle was injured; local press reports Spohr's daughter was in the vehicle and is now cooperating with the investigators. Police have spoken to five independent witnesses and are currently reviewing the dash-cam footage from other surrounding vehicles that recorded the accident.
There was no indication another vehicle contacted Spohr's SUV; therefore, police ruled out a multi-vehicle incident. Police are now trying to determine the attentiveness of the driver, speed of her vehicle and visibility of the cross walk.
Local Reaction in Italy to the Incident
Porto Cervo’s mayor called the death “a tragic and avoidable blow to our small community.” Residents held a candle‑light vigil at the crosswalk, leaving white lilies and notes for Gaia. Sardinian newspapers criticised what they see as lax enforcement of speed limits in resort zones frequented by wealthy visitors. Social‑media discussions on Italian X (formerly Twitter) platforms have been heated, with many demanding stricter penalties for foreign drivers involved in fatal collisions.
Invece di pensare a questioni sconosciute, condividete che la moglie del @CEOlufthansa ha ucciso una ragazza italiana ed é scappata in Germania! Giustizia per Gioia Costa! Vivian Alexandra Spohr deve essere processata e marcire in galera in ITALIA! Boycott @lufthansa
— @mindshifter (@mensvidens) July 12, 2025
Tweet translation in English
Instead of thinking about unknown issues, share the fact that the wife of the @CEOlufthansa killed an Italian girl and ran away to Germany! Justice for Gaia Costa! Vivian Alexandra Spohr must be prosecuted and rot in jail in ITALY! Boycott @lufthansa
Has Lufthansa or CEO Carsten Spohr Issued a Statement?
The airline released a brief note offering “deepest condolences” to the victim’s family and confirming Vivian Spohr’s “full cooperation” with authorities. Carsten Spohr, currently in Frankfurt, has not given interviews but conveyed “personal grief and support for all parties affected.” Analysts say Lufthansa is treading carefully: any perception of corporate interference could harm its reputation, yet total silence could appear callous. At present the company insists the matter is a private legal issue, not a corporate one.
Legal Implications: Could There Be a Case?
Sardinia’s chief prosecutor has opened an investigation for omicidio stradale (vehicular homicide), a charge introduced in Italy in 2016 that can carry up to 12 years in prison. Key evidence will be speed‑camera data, phone‑usage logs and toxicology results (already negative). Experts note that precedent suggests a suspended sentence or negotiated settlement is more common for first‑time offenders who remain cooperative and show remorse. Civil proceedings are also possible if Gaia Costa’s family seeks damages.
Public Interest: Why This Story Went Viral
There were three factors that super‑charged online attention: Lufthansa’s CEO Carsten Spohr is high profile in Germany; the seemingly glamorous backdrop of Porto Cervo; and the victim was patently young. Within 24 hours, #Lufthansa trended on X in Germany and Italy. International tabloid media relished in Vivian’s initial drive-off – triggering outrage and inquiries in aviation forums levels of potential brand fallout for Lufthansa’s image. Crisis‑communications consultants highlight that the global public is now expecting immediacy regarding basic accountability and transparency, especially when it involves executives and their families.
Past Controversies Involving Lufthansa Leadership
Carsten Spohr himself has generally managed to avoid scandal since his appointment in 2014, and he received respectable praise for guiding Lufthansa through the 2015 Germanwings disaster and, equally, the consequential collapse of air travel during COVID-19 pandemic. But, Lufthansa has periodically weathered PR storms when it comes to going on strike and the associated protests related to environmental challenges. This is the first time that a family member has drawn consideration for scrutiny through the legal system, and creates the recent and historic questions about the personal actions of executives and the organizational reputation.
What Happens Next? Ongoing Investigation & Potential Outcomes
In a few weeks, the investigators will complete an accident reconstruction report. If prosecutors bring charges, there may be a preliminary hearing in the fall of 2025. Spohr can attend the preliminary hearing either on his own volition or through video link. If he does not attend, it is possible that the prosecutor can take out a European Arrest Warrant. Meanwhile, Lufthansa's ethics board is keeping an eye on the developments, and investor relations teams are preparing for any possible reputational impact. Gaia Costa’s family, has retained a lawyer, and is considering a civil case. For now, the spotlight remains on the courthouse in Sardinia— which is where the next chapter of this high-profile case will occur.
