Zoe Anne Guaitivi die from sepsis after being airlifted to hospital

A British woman, Zoe Anne Guaitivić, has sadly died along with her unborn baby due to suspected sepsis. Zoe was 39 years old and living in Bolognano, near Lake Garda in northern Italy. She began feeling unwell over the weekend with flu-like symptoms, including a high fever.

On Sunday night, her temperature rose to 40°C. Her condition became serious, and she was flown by helicopter to A&E in Trento. Doctors diagnosed her with sepsis — a dangerous and fast-moving infection that can lead to death if not treated quickly.

During the check-up, doctors discovered her baby had already died in the womb. Zoe was due to give birth in August. To try and save her, doctors induced labour. But after the delivery, her condition got worse. She began bleeding heavily, and her heart, already weak from the infection, could not handle the stress.

Zoe died in the operating theatre early Monday morning, May 6, 2024. The Trentino Health Authority said her death was likely caused by “an extremely acute case of septic shock” that developed very fast and did not respond to medical efforts. A post-mortem examination will confirm the exact cause.

Zoe leaves behind a heartbroken family — her husband, an eight-year-old daughter, an eighteen-month-old son, her parents, and three siblings.

She was an art graduate and worked as a bookseller. Zoe recently joined the Colibrì-Mondadori bookshop in Riva del Garda. Her employer, Simonetta Rinaldi, said, “She brought joy wherever she went. People came into the shop just to see her. She was so happy, especially about her new baby.”

Simonetta described Zoe as someone who was deeply loved and whose presence lit up the room. “Her death has left a hole that can never be filled,” she added.

Zoe’s sudden passing has shocked the local community, who are now mourning a beloved colleague, mother, and friend.