Death of Paolo Gislimberti

Paolo Gislimberti (19 May 1967 - 10 September 2000) was an Italian volunteer firefighter and volleyball coach. He was killed by a loose wheel from Heinz-Harald Frentzen's Jordan EJ10 Formula One car at the 2000 Italian Grand Prix.
Biography
Gislimberti was born in Trento, Italy, and had three siblings (two brothers and a sister). He often spent his spare time working as Deputy Commander of the volunteer firefighter brigade in Lavis, where he lived. In 1990, Gislimberti was a member of the CEA Squadra Corse, a well known firefighter company that fielded more than 200 men. He also worked as the youth coach of the Trentino Volley team. Gislimberti married his wife Elena in 1998. His red helmet came loose and rolled towards the side of the track. Another firefighter standing next to Gislimberti attempted to save his life before medical help from Sid Watkins and Gary Hartstein arrived on the scene. He was taken to the First Aid Room at Monza Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Gislimberti's death was the first Formula One related fatality since the death of Ayrton Senna in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, and the first for a bystander since Team Osella mechanic Giovanni Amadeo was killed in the pitlane at Zolder in May 1981. An autopsy reported that Gislimberti also suffered from cardiac arrest when he was struck by the wheel of Frentzen's car. He was survived by his pregnant wife of two years, Elena, who had a daughter named Lisa born in December 2000, and has received financial help from the Formula One community via a fund. Bernie Ecclestone donated $40,000 and the teams donated $10,000 with the drivers holding an auction to sell their overalls used in the 2000 United States Grand Prix.
Funeral
Gislimberti's funeral was held in Lavis at the Sant'Udalrico church on 14 September. His coffin was wrapped with the flag of Ferrari, as Gislimberti had a passion for the team, which was represented by Luca Badoer, Claudio Berro and Stefano Domenicali. His widow Elena and other friends and relatives were present along with Formula One driver Gastón Mazzacane. A cushion of pink flowers and Gislimberti's helmet was accompanied by fellow firefighters. 110 red roses were sent by Rubens Barrichello and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, while the top teams and the FIA sent wreaths for the occasion.

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