A heartbroken mum-to-be has said the hot weather was initially thought to be behind the symptoms her fiancé had experienced, but then it got much worse. Marco Damaggio, a personal trainer, died after returning home feeling unwell on July 6, 2026, following a gym session during a heatwave. His partner, Lana Corina, gave him CPR, but he died in front of her. A later examination revealed an underlying heart problem that had gone unnoticed.
Hidden heart condition discovered after death
Marco, described by Lana as a “gentle” and “amazing person”, had been living with a heart condition but was unaware of the risk. His profession as a personal trainer suggested excellent health, but the undiagnosed condition proved fatal. Paramedics spent a couple of hours fighting to save him, but he died despite their efforts.
Lana, from London, said: “It feels like my life's stood still since July 6. It started as a normal day, the weekend before we went to a wedding party for one of his friends, it was the perfect time for him to tell everyone about the baby that we're expecting.”
Heatwave conditions and gym session
Britain had been battered by five heatwaves in 2026, with a sixth possibly on the way. On the day of the incident, it was 35 degrees Celsius outside, and the gym had no air conditioning. Marco returned home and initially did not tell Lana he felt unwell, but about an hour later he mentioned he had not been feeling well after the gym. Lana thought it might be exhaustion from the heat, blood test, and workout.
Lana said: “He started saying 'I can't breathe' so at that point we called 999. Within seconds he passed out and that's when the nightmare started.”
Call for greater heart screening
Marco’s life revolved around fitness — he trained others for a living, stuck to a disciplined diet, had played rugby in the past, and worked out constantly. Lana wants to turn her loss into a wider message, calling for more checks to spot hidden heart problems. She believes screening should be expanded, particularly for anyone who has experienced possible warning signs.
Lana said: “Too many athletes such as Marco suffer or die from undiagnosed heart conditions, it seems to be very common in bodybuilding as well as football. If we saw a cardiologist maybe things would've been easier, he would have started treatment that would have helped him instead of just passing out and just never coming back.”
Fundraising appeal for baby
As Lana prepares to welcome their baby and step away from work for maternity leave, a friend has rallied for her, launching a fundraising appeal to help cover costs in the months ahead. Lana said: “He changed a lot of people's lives, he was more than just a coach, he was a friend, a mentor, a supporter and a confidant. He didn't have a bad bone in him.”
Lana added: “Our hearts are not being checked unless something really bad happens such as strokes or heart attacks and by then, for some it's too late. Marco was an amazing person, he changed a lot of people's lives.” You can donate to the fundraiser on the GoFundMe page.
