San Nicandro Garganico mourns 17‑year‑old Giorgio Pienabarca at funeral

On 17 June 2026 the town of San Nicandro Garganico gathered at the Church of the Carmine for the funeral of 17‑year‑old Giorgio Pienabarca. The service was presided over by Bishop Giuseppe Mengoli and attended by Mayor Matteo Vocale, who declared a day of mourning for the community. Commercial shutters were lowered and the patron‑saint celebrations normally scheduled for that day were postponed to 18 June.

Giorgio had died on 12 June after being struck by a car while walking home from a birthday party. The driver, an 18‑year‑old member of the same group, is under house arrest on charges of road homicide. The funeral provided an opportunity for family, friends, classmates and townspeople to pay their respects to the young victim.

The incident has deeply shaken the local community, prompting public expressions of grief and ongoing questions about the circumstances of the fatal accident.