Lufthansa CEO's wife under investigation following deadly car accident

Vivian Spohr, wife of Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr, is under investigation for negligent homicide after a fatal traffic accident in Sardinia, Italy.

Reports indicate Spohr, who was on vacation, allegedly struck and killed 24-year-old Gaia Costa with her SUV at a crosswalk. First responders attempted to revive Costa, a babysitter, but she died from severe head injuries.

Spohr initially claimed she didn't realize what had happened and drove away, Italien News reported. However, passers-by alerted her, causing her to stop and reportedly faint. She tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

Authorities are now investigating whether she was distracted by her cell phone during the accident.

Following the incident, Spohr reportedly fled to Berlin, as stated by the New York Post, but is willing to cooperate with the authorities.

"Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic accident expresses dismay and deep sorrow for this grave accident, which has devastated a family, the town of Tempio, and the entire community of Gallura."

The statement said that the 51-year-old German businesswoman "has placed herself at the complete disposal of the judicial authorities for the necessary investigations" and is aware that although "such a great personal loss cannot be remedied, [she] will take steps to mitigate the consequences." 

Meanwhile, Costa's family lawyer, Antonello Desini, told La Repubblica: "At this time, we must respect the grief of a broken family."

Spohr has been the patroness of Help Alliance since September 2014. In this role, she regularly visits projects and communities to see their work firsthand.