Ugento cyclist death investigation: Driver surrenders after hit-and-run

Authorities in Salento are investigating the death of Daniele Congedi, a 28-year-old engineer from Ugento, who was found dead after a cycling excursion on the road between Ugento and Racale. His body was discovered in an area of tall grass, approximately ten meters from his heavily damaged mountain bike.

A 22-year-old man from Ugento has surrendered to the Carabinieri alongside his lawyer, claiming he believed he had struck an animal rather than a person. Investigators have identified and seized a Lancia Y, which is believed to be the vehicle involved in the incident.

Drug tests performed on the driver revealed the presence of cannabinoids, though results were negative for cocaine, opiates, and ecstasy. The driver's legal team contends the positive result stems from marijuana smoked after the accident. Prosecutors are now evaluating whether the substance use impaired the driver, who was reportedly traveling at high speed at the time of the impact.