On a bike tour in the Alps |
Panettone King († 56) killed by lightning
Alberto Balocco (56) stood for La Dolce Vita with his confectionery empire…
The life of the Italian panettone king came to a bitter end on Saturday: he was struck by lightning together with his old friend Davide Vigo (55). The two loved the mountains and were out on their e-bikes in the Alps when the storm caught them by surprise.
Rescue workers load one of the bodies into a helicopter
Because there was no shelter at 2381 meters above sea level, Balocco and Vigo had no chance to save themselves. A motorist found their lifeless bodies between two rocks in the Susa Valley. Rescue workers arrived with a helicopter, but might only determine that their old friends had died, as “ The printreported.
Alberto led the family business “Balocco” in the third generation. Since 1927, the Baloccos and their now 500 employees have been baking biscuits and panettone, the Christmas cake that is popular in Italy.
Panettone is a popular Italian pastry that is mostly eaten at Christmas
A particularly hard blow for the family: Alberto’s father Aldo died less than two months ago at the age of 91. The senior is considered the inventor of the almond panettone (“Mandorlato”).
Alberto Balocco leaves behind a wife and three children. His sister is a co-owner of the family business. It is unclear whether she will be his successor. (nko)
