Who is Aurora Maniscalco? Flight Attendant Dies After 33ft Balcony Fall in Vienna

Aurora Maniscalco, a 24-year-old flight attendant from Palermo, Italy, has tragically died after falling from the third-floor balcony of her apartment in Vienna, Austria. The incident occurred on the night of June 21, 2025, and police have not ruled out foul play as investigations continue.

Aurora was reportedly at home with her 27-year-old boyfriend, Elio Bargione—also a flight attendant—when the incident happened. She fell approximately 33 feet (10 meters) to the ground below. Emergency services were called by Bargione, and Aurora was rushed to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, she died two days later from her injuries.

Aurora worked for Lauda Europe, a Maltese-based budget airline operating under Ryanair. Her boyfriend works for another airline, though his identity has only been confirmed in some reports.

Authorities in Vienna are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall. Her phone and digital devices have been seized for forensic examination. Meanwhile, an autopsy has been requested by her family to determine the exact cause of death.

The family’s lawyer, Alberto Raffadale, confirmed that legal complaints have been filed in both Vienna and Palermo. “We have filed two complaints, one with the prosecutor’s office in Vienna and one with the Palermo prosecutor’s office,” he said, signaling the family’s strong belief that Aurora’s death may not have been accidental.

Aurora’s close friend Giada Cucina also spoke out, expressing doubt over the idea that the fall was accidental or a suicide attempt. “She didn’t want to kill herself,” she told Il Giornale de Italia. “She was dreaming of a new job as a volunteer at an animal shelter.” Cucina emphasized that Aurora had future plans and was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life.

The Vienna police have yet to make any arrests and are currently awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination. While rumors swirl on social media, no official cause has been released yet.

Aurora’s sudden and mysterious death has sent shockwaves through both the Italian and Austrian aviation communities. Photos circulating online show her smiling with fellow cabin crew members, a stark contrast to the tragic news now being reported.

This heartbreaking incident comes just weeks after another flight attendant, Irfan Ali Mirza, was found dead in a San Francisco hotel room during a stopover while working for British Airways. His case, however, has been deemed to show no signs of foul play.

Aurora Maniscalco’s death remains under investigation. Her friends and family continue to seek answers, hoping for justice in what many are calling a suspicious and deeply troubling tragedy.