Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez was involved in a tragic incident on Tuesday morning that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man in a wheelchair near the club’s training base. The Josep Martinez car accident occurred in Fenegro, a small town in the province of Como, as the Spaniard was driving to training. Despite the immediate response from emergency services, the elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports from La Repubblica and ANSA, the Josep Martinez car accident took place around 9:40 a.m. on Via Bergamo, close to Inter’s Appiano Gentile training complex. The 27-year-old Spaniard was en route to training when his car struck the man, who was travelling in an electric wheelchair. The impact was severe, and even with the rapid arrival of ambulance and helicopter rescue teams, the victim could not be revived.
Emergency response and investigation underway
Authorities confirmed that local police and the Carabinieri were quickly on-site to assess the scene and begin an investigation. Initial findings from the Carabinieri suggest that the victim may have suffered a sudden medical episode moments before the Josep Martinez car accident, which caused him to veer into the opposite lane.
Witnesses stated that Martinez immediately stopped his car and rushed to help the man, attempting to provide first aid before paramedics arrived. Police noted that the Inter goalkeeper was fully cooperative and visibly distressed following the accident. “He stayed on the scene and assisted authorities throughout,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
Investigators are currently reconstructing the exact sequence of events using traffic footage and eyewitness testimony to determine whether external factors or road conditions contributed to the Josep Martinez car accident.
Inter cancel press conference as club offers full support
The emotional impact of the Josep Martinez car accident has been profound. Inter Milan quickly announced the cancellation of Tuesday afternoon’s pre-match press conference with head coach Cristian Chivu, who had been scheduled to speak ahead of their Serie A match against Fiorentina. The club’s decision was described as a mark of respect for the victim and a recognition of the emotional toll on the player.
Local media described Martinez as “visibly affected” by the tragedy, with sources close to the club revealing that Inter have offered full psychological support to their goalkeeper. No formal statement has yet been released by Martinez, as police procedures and the legal investigation are still ongoing.
Josep Martinez’s football journey and current season
Born in Las Palmas, Spain, Martinez came through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy before moving to RB Leipzig in 2020. After limited playing time in Germany, he joined Genoa, where his performances caught the attention of Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri secured his signing in the summer of 2024, viewing him as a reliable backup to first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
At 27, Martinez has made several appearances in cup competitions this season, and before the Josep Martinez car accident, he was expected to be named on the bench for Inter’s midweek fixture against Fiorentina. His participation now appears uncertain as the club prioritises his emotional recovery in the wake of the tragedy.
Authorities to release full report
Local authorities in Como continue to gather evidence surrounding the Josep Martinez car accident. Accident reconstruction experts are expected to release an official report later this week, which will clarify the sequence of events and contributing factors. Early speculation suggests that the elderly man may have made an abrupt directional change on his motorised wheelchair moments before impact.
Inter are said to be in close communication with both the victim’s family and local officials. The club expressed deep sorrow and emphasised that Martinez will receive all necessary support while the investigation continues.
Emotional aftermath and upcoming fixtures
The Josep Martinez car accident has understandably shaken both the player and his teammates. Club insiders report that several Inter players have been in contact with Martinez to offer their support. “He’s devastated,” one source said. “The club and his teammates are standing by him completely.”
Inter are set to face Fiorentina at San Siro on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Hellas Verona and a Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty next week. Whether Martinez will be included in the squad remains uncertain, as his emotional wellbeing is currently the club’s primary concern.
