Italian Doctor Dies After Falling From Horse in Front of Daughter

Donatella Macchia, a 46-year-old doctor and mother of two, died after a riding accident near Milan on Friday. She was thrown from a horse during a routine training ride while her teenage daughter, Aurora, watched the fall.

Macchia suffered a severe head injury and brain hemorrhage. She was rushed to hospital in critical condition and taken to intensive care, but doctors declared her dead a few hours later. The horse involved in the accident had previously been rescued and adopted by Macchia herself.

Macchia was a well-known figure in Italy’s medical community, working in aesthetic medicine and holding clinical and research roles. Colleagues, students and patients described her as professional, devoted, warm, energetic, generous and deeply loved.

After her death, her organs were donated and reportedly helped save five people. She is survived by her husband, Marco, and their two daughters, Aurora and Beatrice.