World Champion Shooter, 19, Dies In Hunting Accident In Italy

A world champion shooter has died in a hunting accident in Italy aged just 19.

Cristian Ghilli, who came from the village of Ponteginori in the Italian region of Tuscany, reportedly fell while collecting some shells and fatally shot himself in the abdomen and hand.

The teenager, who was an experienced hunter and junior world champion in skeet shooting, died in the countryside of Montecatini Val di Cecina in Pisa Province in Tuscany at around 6pm on 6th January.

The victim also belonged to the Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Oro, the sport section of the Italian state police.

Cristian Ghilli, 19, died following a serious abdomen injury sustained in an accident while he was hunting in the countryside of Montecatini Val di Cecina, Italy, on 6th January. (Newsflash)

In October 2021, he came first for the Men’s Skeet Team in the Junior World Shotgun Championships.

He was accompanied by friends on the hunting trip when he stopped to collect some shells at the end of the hunt.

According to the news site Il Messaggero, Ghilli fell and his rifle went off, hitting him in the abdomen and hand.

His friends called the emergency services and paramedics provided first aid at the scene before an ambulance transported him to the Hospital Cecina in a serious condition.

Cristian Ghilli, 19, died following a serious abdomen injury sustained in an accident while he was hunting in the countryside of Montecatini Val di Cecina, Italy, on 6th January. (Newsflash)

The police arrived on the scene to begin their investigation, stating that it appeared like a terrible accident and no foul play is suspected at the moment.

After arriving at hospital, the teenager underwent an emergency operation. However, he succumbed to his injuries at around 10pm.

The police are continuing to investigate the incident and are looking into why the experienced hunter’s rifle was still loaded after the hunt had finished.

Skeet shooting is one of the three main disciplines of competitive clay shooting.

Cristian Ghilli, 19, (right) died following a serious abdomen injury sustained in an accident while he was hunting in the countryside of Montecatini Val di Cecina, Italy, on 6th January. (Newsflash)

To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: William McGee,  Agency: Newsflash

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