(ANS – Schio) – Fr. Francesco Andreoli, a 36-year-old Salesian priest regarded by the community as the heart and soul of the Salesian oratory in Schioy Alberto Fioretto, a 16-year-old youth leader, died on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, in a road accident. A third person was injured. The tragedy has left the entire community in mourning.
The Circumstances of the Tragedy
The accident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on the Pedemontana Veneta Motorway, inside the tunnel between Malo y Castelgomberto, in the direction of Montecchio Maggiore.
According to preliminary reports based in part on eyewitness accounts, the car driven by Fr. Andreoli lightly struck the rear of a truck traveling ahead. The priest and the youth leader reportedly got out of the vehicle to apologize to the truck driver, who suggested they move their car because it was in a dangerous position for oncoming traffic. As they got back into their vehicle, it was struck violently by another car before crashing into the concrete barrier along the roadway. The 40-year-old driver of the second vehicle was also injured.
Fr. Andreoli y Alberto Fioretto were traveling to Gardaland to meet the children participating in the Estate Ragazzi summer camp, who were traveling separately.
News of the accident spread quickly throughout the Alto Vicentino region, especially in Schio, where Fr. Andreoli, who would have celebrated his 37th birthday on July 15, was widely loved and respected. Just two days earlier, he had organized a visit for children attending the summer oratory by Gianluigi Buffon, the former goalkeeper of the Italian National Football Team and a member of Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup championship team.
Later that afternoon, a memorial Mass was celebrated in the city’s cathedral.
Memories Filled with Gratitude
Amid the grief, many heartfelt tributes have highlighted the lasting impact both victims made during their lives.
“The tragedy that has struck our community today leaves us deeply saddened,” said Cristina Marigo, mayor of Schio. “We join in mourning with deep emotion, cherishing the memory of two people who touched the lives of so many. The entire town extends its heartfelt embrace to the Salesian community and to all those affected by this tragedy.”
“Fr. Francesco was loved by everyone—a great builder of community and a man completely dedicated to serving others,” said Carlo Cunegato, Regional Councillor for Veneto. “Children, young people, and families came together instead of spending their time alone in front of TikTok. They learned and grew through dialogue, friendship, and shared experiences. On Saturdays, the oratory offered Italian language classes for immigrants. It created opportunities for authentic relationships in a world increasingly marked by loneliness. Sports became a school of life. He was always there, tireless in his service. Now it is up to us to ensure that the seeds planted by Fr. Francesco and this young man continue to grow and bear fruit in a community that, thanks to them, truly became a family.”
Another Regional Councillor, Chiara Luisetto, added, “I met Fr. Francesco just a few weeks ago during the Concordia women’s soccer tournament in Schio. With his warmth and enthusiasm, he immediately drew me into the oratory’s summer initiatives. He was a young priest who deeply loved his community, especially its youngest members. I am profoundly saddened by this double loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew and loved them.”
Local sports organizations, which worked closely with Fr. Andreoli in supporting young people, also paid tribute to him on social media.
“Fr. Francesco Andreoli left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, beginning with his fellow educators and the children he loved so dearly,” wrote Calcio Schio.
Concordia Basket shared a moving tribute: “There are people who leave a lasting mark, and you did so with the quiet humility of someone truly great. Today, so many of us are left with a deep sense of emptiness. Dear Francesco, we will always remember 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.”