Audi executive Fabrizio Longo dies in 10,000-foot solo climb at Cima Payer

The 62-year-old avid mountaineer and director of Audi Italia passed away while climbing Cima Payer.

Fabrizio Longo, a respected Audi executive and passionate mountain climber, tragically died after falling during a solo climb at Cima Payer, a mountain in Italy. 

The Italian Winter Sports Federation announced that Longo, 62, passed away on Saturday, August 31, while navigating a “via ferrata,” a protected climbing route, towards the mountain's peak.

In a statement, Flavio Roda, President of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, expressed deep sorrow over Longo’s passing, calling it “a terrible loss for the federation, which has collaborated profitably with Longo for years.” 

Roda extended condolences to Longo’s family and the staff of Audi Italia, highlighting the impact Longo had on the organization.

Described as “a very expert and careful mountaineer,” Longo was climbing alone when the incident occurred. 

According to the federation, another climber witnessed the fall and immediately alerted authorities. 

Rescuers from the Pinzolo Alpine Rescue station arrived by helicopter and located Longo’s body 200 meters (656 feet) below the summit. Medical personnel confirmed his death on the scene.

Local news outlet Il Messaggero reported that Longo’s body was later recovered by the Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s local law enforcement agency, and transported to Carisolo, Italy.

Born in Rimini, Italy, in 1962, Longo had served as the director of Audi Italia since 2013. 

His leadership linked Audi Italia’s image closely with the Italian Winter Sports Federation. 

Longo’s career also included notable positions at Fiat and Lancia before joining Audi in 2012.

A passionate mountaineer, Longo’s love for the mountains was evident on his Facebook profile, where his last post, shared just two weeks before the accident, featured the Anderta Alps in the Sesto Dolomites.