The mayor of chose silence and respect before words. Qualiano, Raffaele De Leonardis, speaking publicly after the tragedy that took the life of Luciano Capasso, the 25-year-old originally from the town of Naples who died in the Swiss mountains. The young man's body was found buried in an avalanche near St. Moritz, after days of research followed with apprehension also by the local community.
"I waited before writing these words," De Leonardis explained, "because today is a time of grief, silence, and closeness." The mayor said he was struck "as a man even before being a mayor" by a tragedy that has devastated an entire family. "From the first moment, we have been close to the mother, Raffaella Grande, and the brothers, Emmanuel and Tarry, with whom we have remained in close contact, even from St. Moritz, where we traveled to follow the search," he added, assuring that "the municipal administration remains silently but constantly available."
Luciano Capasso had been out on a solo hike last Tuesday at an altitude of approximately 2.700 meters when he was caught in a storm. In the coming days, his body will be returned to Qualiano, where the community will be able to pay their last respects. "Here we will say goodbye to a special young man," said the mayor, rejecting any superficial interpretation of the incident. "Luciano was an expert hiker, not a naive one. He loved the mountains, life, and challenges."
These words portray a young man "struck by a tragedy that shattered a journey of passion, but also of study, work, and sacrifice." "Qualiano extends its deepest sympathy to his family," De Leonardis concluded, "with respect and immense sympathy."
I'm sorry for the family and the community of Qualiano. I don't know everything, but it seems to me the mayor spoke with respect. There are still questions and perhaps explanations missing. Luciano wasn't reckless, says the mayor, but the mountains are dangerous. I hope the community stands with the family and the neighbors can help them find peace and support.