A YOUNG boy who “fought like a lion” after suddenly became trapped in a hotel swimming pool’s suction duct has died.
Gabriele Petrucci, seven, was celebrating his birthday when he was found unresponsive in the water.
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Gabriele Petrucci died after becoming trapped in a swimming pool’s suction duct Credit: Jam Press
Gabriele (middle) was celebrating his birthday with his father Antonello and mother Mihaela Credit: Jam Press
Police are investigating Gabriele’s cause of death Credit: Jam Press
He was enjoying splashing around in the pool at a wellness retreat in Castelforte, Italy, with his family and friends on Saturday April 18.
The boy was reportedly in the shallow water with his mother as his father stood just a few yards away at the pool’s edge, when he suddenly disappeared.
His heartbroken father, Antonello, said he had turned around for a split second but when he turned back he couldn’t see his son above the water.
“I saw Gabriele’s little body curled up in this suction pipe,” his dad recalled.
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Gabriele was struggling underwater but couldn’t resurface.
His dad dived in to try desperately to save him.
“I tried to pull him out with my hands,” Antonello said.
“Three people helped me and even with them I couldn’t get him out,” he said.
“They had to switch off the pump so I could free him.
“His arm was purple – he fought like a lion to get free.”
The family’s lawyer, Francesco Lauri, said: “They tried to revive him for a long time, but there was nothing they could do.”
Early findings suggest the outdoor pool’s suction pipe at the Complesso Termale Vescine was missing a protective grate.
Antonello has accused the retreat of trying to cover its tracks in the immediate aftermath.
Gabriele has been remembered as cheerful and happy boy Credit: Jam Press
Why are pool drainage systems so dangerous?
Pool drains use powerful suction to circulate water for filtration and chemical treatment.
When covers are missing or damaged, the pressure can trap a child’s body against the opening or ensnare hair in the intake pipe.
Children under eight face the highest risk because their smaller size and weaker strength cannot overcome even moderate suction, and their natural curiosity often leads them to investigate drains at the pool floor.
This phenomenon is particularly dangerous in thermal spas, where older facilities may lack modern anti-entrapment safety systems that newer public pools are required to install.
Information: The Portugal Post
He told local media: “As if by magic, this grille appeared a long way off – so far away that I can only assume someone put it there afterwards.”
Prosecutors in Cassino are investigating four people for manslaughter – including the retreat’s managers, the owner of the maintenance company and the worker responsible for refitting the grille.
CCTV seized by police is reportedly central to determining if the drain cover was absent, damaged or non-compliant.
The pool has been closed as a technical audit is carried out on the circulation system.
A technical inspection of the site is due to be carried out on Monday 27 April, while Gabriele will be laid to rest in Rome on Saturday April 25.
Gabriele has been remembered by his loved ones as a “cheerful, happy boy”.
The family’s lawyer said: “His death is entirely attributable to poor pool management and an outdated, non-compliant safety system.
“I won’t comment on the lifeguards’ competence, which is a secondary issue compared to a tragedy that should have been prevented.”
It comes after a girl, 12, died in Brazil after her hair got trapped in a pool’s suction system.
Laura Pereira Camargo was swimming with friends in their pool in Mirassol when she suddenly became trapped underwater.
It’s believed he was held under the water by a powerful suction Credit: Jam Press
