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The response from emergency services was immediate and desperate. Within minutes of the collision, the quiet morning air was pierced by the sirens of paramedics and firefighters. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, medical authorities dispatched a rescue helicopter, which landed nearby as doctors worked feverishly on the asphalt. They fought against the ticking clock, performing every life-saving measure available in an attempt to stabilize the young skater. Despite the arrival of specialized equipment and the valiant efforts of the first responders, the injuries Matilda sustained were too severe. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the bright colors of her winter coat a stark contrast against the gray pavement.
The tragedy took an even more harrowing turn when Matilda’s parents arrived at the site. In a scene that haunts the witnesses who were present, they were met with the unthinkable reality that their daughter—who had left the house only minutes prior—would never be coming home. The localized shock of the accident rippled outward as news spread through the town of Val Rendena, where Matilda was a well-known and beloved figure. She represented the best of the community’s youth: disciplined, talented, and kind-hearted.
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