In the blink of an eye, a routine drive to training turned into every driver’s worst nightmare for Inter Milan’s promising goalkeeper, Josep Martínez. On a crisp Tuesday morning near the club’s state-of-the-art training complex in Appiano Gentile, Italy, the 27-year-old Spaniard collided with an electric wheelchair carrying Paolo Saibene, an 81-year-old local man. The impact was devastating – Saibene died at the scene, leaving Martínez reeling in horror and now staring down the barrel of a potential prison sentence ranging from 2 to 7 years for vehicular homicide.

Eyewitnesses described a scene straight out of a tragedy: Around 9:40 AM, Martínez was navigating the narrow, winding road in his car, en route to Inter’s Pinetina facility in Fenegro, Como province. Suddenly, the elderly man’s wheelchair veered sharply into the path of the oncoming vehicle. Boom. The sickening crunch echoed through the quiet neighborhood as the wheelchair flipped, and Saibene lay motionless. Martínez slammed on the brakes, leaped from his car, and desperately tried to aid the victim, performing CPR until paramedics and an air ambulance arrived. But it was too late. The grandfather, a beloved figure in his community, was pronounced dead on the spot.

Who is Josep Martínez? From La Masia Dreams to Serie A Stardom – And Now This?

For fans of Inter Milan, Josep Martínez was the unsung hero in the net – the reliable backup to Yann Sommer, signed in a shrewd €4.5 million deal from Genoa last summer. Born in Mataró, Spain, the 6’5″ shot-stopper rose through Espanyol’s youth ranks before exploding onto the scene with a string of heroic performances. His lightning reflexes and commanding presence earned him rave reviews, and Inter saw him as the future between the posts.

This season, he’d already featured twice, keeping clean sheets and proving his mettle. Off the pitch, Martínez was the picture of professionalism: quiet, family-oriented, and laser-focused on his career. Little did anyone know, one fateful morning would shatter that image forever. Could this be the end of a glittering career before it truly began?

The Chilling Investigation: Vehicular Homicide Charge Looms Like a Dark Cloud

Italian prosecutors wasted no time. Martínez is now under formal investigation for vehicular homicide, a charge that carries a minimum 2-year sentence and up to 7 years if negligence is proven. Authorities seized his vehicle for forensic analysis, scouring for evidence of speeding, distraction, or failure to yield. Blood tests confirmed no alcohol or drugs in his system – a small mercy amid the chaos.

But here’s where it gets twisted: Multiple witnesses, including locals who know the road like the back of their hand, insist Martínez bears zero blame. “It was unavoidable,” one told reporters. “The old man just… lost control. His wheelchair shot across like a rocket. The kid didn’t stand a chance.” Another added, “This stretch is a death trap – narrow, blind curves, no sidewalks. Happens more than you’d think.”

Police are probing whether Saibene suffered a sudden medical emergency, like a stroke or heart episode, causing the wheelchair to malfunction or swerve. Dashcam footage and CCTV from nearby are being reviewed, but early indications point to tragedy, not crime. Still, in Italy’s rigid legal system, the shadow of prosecution hangs heavy. Martínez’s lawyers are fighting tooth and nail, but the emotional toll is already crushing.

Inter Milan’s Heartbreaking Response: Psychologist on Speed Dial, Time Off Granted

The Nerazzurri didn’t abandon their man. Club CEO Beppe Marotta issued a poignant statement: “We are close to Josep and the family of the victim. These are unfortunate events that, sadly, are part of everyday life.” Inter immediately pulled in a top psychologist to help Martínez process the trauma. He’s been given indefinite leave – no training, no matches – as he grapples with survivor’s guilt that could haunt him forever.

Teammates rallied around him. Sommer, his mentor in goal, sent a heartfelt message: “We’re family. Get through this, brother.” The squad dedicated their 3-0 thrashing of Fiorentina to both Martínez and Saibene’s memory. But whispers in the dressing room reveal a fractured vibe – how do you focus on football when death knocks?

The Human Cost: A Grandpa’s Final Moments, a Family Shattered

Paolo Saibene wasn’t just a statistic. He was a proud grandfather, war veteran survivor, and pillar of Appiano Gentile. Neighbors remember him zipping around in his electric wheelchair, waving hello, sharing stories from his youth. His family is devastated, mourning a man who beat the odds to live independently despite his frailty.

Funeral plans are underway, with the community uniting in grief. “He was the heart of our street,” one relative sobbed. Martínez reportedly visited the family privately, offering condolences and support – a gesture that humanizes the horror.

Martínez’s Silent Spiral: Instagram Deleted Amid Vicious Online Hate Storm

The internet, that merciless beast, pounced. Thousands of trolls flooded his profiles with vitriol: “Murderer!” “Rot in jail!” The introverted keeper, already shattered, deleted his Instagram – 50k followers vanished overnight. Sources close to him say he’s barely sleeping, haunted by nightmares of the crash. “He’s a good kid,” a friend confided. “This will scar him for life.”

What Happens Next? Prison, Redemption, or Exile?

As investigators piece together the puzzle, the football world holds its breath. If cleared, Martínez could return a hero – more resilient, more human. But a conviction? Career over. Freedom gone. Serie A clubs are already circling vultures, eyeing a bargain if he’s sidelined.