Davide La Rosa dies in Perugia hotel carbon‑monoxide incident

Contrabassist Davide La Rosa, a 54‑55‑year‑old musician from Catania who lived in Rome, was found dead in his room at the Hotel Fortuna in central Perugia during the Music Fest. He and a 56‑year‑old violoncellist, Tao Huang, were staying together; Huang was rescued but remains in critical condition in a hyperbaric unit in Ravenna.

Firefighters, carabinieri and prosecutors evacuated the hotel, sealed it and began technical inspections. Measurements showed elevated carbon‑monoxide levels on several floors, especially in the musicians’ room. Investigators are examining the hotel’s heating, boiler and air‑conditioning systems to determine the source of the gas leak. The Perugia prosecutor’s office opened a file for culpable homicide and has placed two individuals under investigation. An autopsy on La Rosa has been ordered to confirm the cause of death.

The tragedy has prompted mourning within the Orchestra delle Cento Città and the broader classical‑music community, while authorities continue to assess safety and responsibility for the incident.