A 1.5-year-old boy died after choking on a piece of apple in a home in La Storta, Rome, on October 28, 2026, according to multiple reports. The child, identified as Davide D’Orazi, was with his parents when the incident occurred, and his parents attempted to assist him before calling emergency services. An ambulance transported him to the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The exact circumstances of the choking are under investigation, with authorities awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the family’s ties to Vitorchiano, a town in the Viterbo province. Raffaele D’Orazi, the boy’s grandfather and a former local councilor, is a well-known figure in the area. The mayor of Vitorchiano, Ruggero Grassotti, declared a municipal mourning, stating the community was deeply grieved by the loss. The boy’s parents and others present during the incident may be questioned as part of the investigation [1][3][4].
Tragedy in La Storta
Davide D’Orazi was reportedly eating dinner with his parents when he choked on a piece of apple, according to sources. The family immediately called emergency services, and an ambulance arrived to transport him to the Policlinico Gemelli. Despite efforts by medical staff, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident occurred in an apartment on the Via Cassia in La Storta, a neighborhood in northern Rome. The family’s home was described as the location where the choking event took place [2][3].
The child was given the apple by his parents, and the incident occurred as he ate with them, according to reports. An ambulance arrived quickly, but the child was already in cardiac arrest upon arrival, according to multiple sources. Medical staff at the Policlinico Gemelli made attempts to resuscitate him, but he was declared dead. The boy’s parents, Gabriele and Giulia, and his aunt Serena were present during the incident, as noted in local accounts.
⚫Tragedia a Roma, nel quartiere La Storta, zona nord della Capitale, dove un bambino di un anno e mezzo è morto dopo essere rimasto soffocato da un pezzo di mela mentre era a cena con i genitori. Il fatto è successo lo scorso 28 ottobre. Immediato l'intervento dei soccorsi che… pic.twitter.com/eDJaFcxxYr
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The death has deeply affected the community of Vitorchiano, where the boy’s family is well-known. The mayor of Vitorchiano, Ruggero Grassotti, stated that the tragedy left the town stunned and expressed solidarity with the family. The police and medical teams are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact sequence of events [1][3].
The family’s prominence in Vitorchiano was highlighted by the mayor, who noted that the boy’s grandfather, Raffaele D’Orazi, was a former councilor and that the boy’s grandmother was a long-time local figure. Grassotti stated, “The tragedy has left us all stunned. The family is deeply connected to our community, and we are all grieving.” The boy’s grandmother and grandfather were described as “very known in the town,” with the mayor adding that he had worked with the grandmother for over 20 years.
The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, with sources indicating that the boy’s parents and others present during the choking may be interviewed. The case is being handled by local authorities, and the results of the autopsy will be critical in determining the exact cause of death. The family’s home in La Storta, located on the Via Cassia, is under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
The incident highlights the risks of choking in young children, though no broader trends or statistics are cited in the sources. The family's background and the community's reaction highlight the personal and local dimensions of the tragedy.
Stava cenando in casa insieme ai genitori, nell’appartamento a La Storta, sulla via Cassia a Roma. Ha inghiottito un pezzo di mela, gli è andato di traverso e non è più riuscito a respirare. Davide D’Orazi aveva appena un anno è mezzo: mercoledì sera, 28 ottobre, è stato… pic.twitter.com/fuTivOQx2g
Additional Context from Source Articles
Despite the rapid response, the child was already in cardiac arrest upon arrival at the hospital. The Policlinico Gemelli’s medical team tried “everything possible” to save him, but he could not be revived.
The family’s origins in Vitorchiano were emphasized in multiple sources, with the town’s community reacting with shock and sorrow. The investigation continues, with authorities awaiting the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death and determine if any further actions are needed.
The tragedy has also drawn attention to the boy’s parents, Gabriele and Giulia, and his aunt Serena, who were present during the incident. The mayor of Vitorchiano reiterated that the town is “stretched around the family,” emphasizing the emotional impact of the event.
Related reading