Rome police are investigating the death of a 25-year-old La Sapienza University student found unresponsive Thursday morning in an apartment near Piazza Bologna. While initial findings suggest natural causes, the case includes the recovery of the student’s missing cell phone and an ongoing inquiry into its unlawful appropriation by an acquaintance. The death of Lorenzo, a mathematics and physics major originally from Pulsano, has prompted expressions of grief from his hometown and university community.
Rome police are investigating the death of a 25-year-old university student found unresponsive in a bathroom Thursday morning. The incident underscores the challenges faced by students living away from home and the importance of mental health resources.
Student Found Dead in Rome Apartment
Authorities responded to a call at approximately 7:00 a.m. on November 27 from an apartment on Via Vigevano in the Piazza Bologna area. A female roommate discovered the student, identified as Lorenzo, collapsed in the bathroom and immediately contacted emergency services.
Paramedics pronounced the student dead at the scene. Initial assessments by a medical examiner indicated the death was likely due to natural causes, with no signs of trauma or foul play. The student was a mathematics and physics major at La Sapienza University.
Cell Phone Dispute
The investigation took a turn when authorities discovered the student’s cell phone was missing from the apartment. An acquaintance of the deceased, who does not reside at the address, later turned the phone over to police. The friend claimed he mistakenly took the device, believing it was his own.
Police have opened a case of unlawful appropriation against the friend and seized the smartphone as evidence. The student’s body has been transferred to the Gemelli Polyclinic for further examination by a magistrate.
Community Mourns
Lorenzo was originally from Pulsano, a town in the province of Taranto, Italy. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from his hometown.
“Pulsano mourns the premature loss of Lorenzo,” said Mayor Pietro D’Alfonso in a statement. “To his mother, father, and Giorgia, the entire community of Pulsano sends its deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”
The local Pro Loco Pulsano organization also expressed its sorrow, offering support to the student’s family. “Today, the Pro Loco family stands with our Vice President Giorgia, struck by a pain that no words can truly fill,” the organization wrote. “The loss of a brother, so young, leaves a profound and unjust void.”
The Democratic Party of Pulsano also issued a statement of condolence.
