A beloved waiter has died after choking on a piece of mozzarella cheese while on a break at a beachside restaurant in central Italy. Adriano Poponessi, 50, was working at the Carbonelli resort in Sabaudia, in the province of Latina, during the 'Sabaudia Sunset Jazz Festival' when the incident occurred on July 26.
Colleagues attempted to remove the cheese blocking his windpipe but were unsuccessful and called emergency services. Mr Poponessi was airlifted to Santa Maria Goretti Hospital but suffered a cardiac arrest en route. Medics worked on him for around an hour but were unable to save him.
Prosecutors for Latina Province have opened an inquiry into the death. Organisers of the music festival cancelled the remainder of the show by the Lucy Soul Band as a mark of respect. In a statement, they said: 'We are deeply saddened by Adriano’s tragic passing and join the Carbonelli people in their grief.'
Staff at London's 2 Veneti restaurant, where Mr Poponessi also worked, paid tribute: 'We share the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved friend Adriano Poponessi. Adriano touched so many lives and brought warmth to countless evenings for our customers and friends. He will be deeply missed.'
A funeral for Mr Poponessi is being held in San Luca today, according to Italian news outlet Corriere Della Serra.
