Giacomo Ceccone dies while swimming in Lake Maggiore

Giacomo Ceccone, a 67-year-old retired researcher, died on Monday, August 17, while swimming in Lake Maggiore near Ispra. The incident occurred around 11:00 AM near the Amerigo Vespucci lakeside while Ceccone was swimming with three friends.

Witnesses noticed his swimming strokes becoming slow and uncoordinated, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Bystanders performed CPR while the Coast Guard, firefighters, and emergency medical services arrived. Despite extensive resuscitation attempts by medical personnel, Ceccone could not be saved. Authorities believe a sudden medical emergency during physical activity may have caused the death, and the Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances.

Ceccone was a well-known figure in the community, having served for over thirty years as a researcher at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra. His scientific work focused on materials science, nanotechnology, biointerfaces, and nanobiotechnology, earning him significant international recognition in the scientific community. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid swimmer and a musician who played the acoustic guitar.