EUFOR Operation Althea today paid its final respects in Bosnia and Herzegovina to four Italian personnel who lost their lives in the helicopter accident near Brčko on 29 October. Sergeant Major Simone Ruggia, Sergeant Major Claudio Marchesi, Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci departed Bosnia and Herzegovina for Italy, accompanied by members of their families.
The families arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday aboard an Italian state flight and have received continuous support from the Italian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Contingent serving with EUFOR and the wider EUFOR community.
EUFOR expresses its sincere gratitude to the institutions and authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the assistance and cooperation provided following the accident. Particular appreciation is extended to the authorities, emergency services and institutions in Brčko District and Tuzla for their immediate response, support and professionalism.
EUFOR also thanks the medical personnel and staff of the hospitals in Brčko and Tuzla for the care they are providing to the injured personnel and for the support showing to their colleagues and families.
EUFOR continues to stand with the families, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Major Simone Ruggia, Sergeant Major Claudio Marchesi, Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci during this difficult time.
Their service and contribution to EUFOR Operation Althea will be remembered.
