Who was Giovanna Maria Giammarino, the tour guide who died at the Colosseum?

Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a tour guide, died suddenly in front of hundreds of tourists at the Colosseum while leading a guided tour. The death occurred on Tuesday 19 August, at a time of great excitement inside the monument and very high temperatures, even though it was around 5.30pm in the middle of August.

Colleagues: 'Blame the excessive heat'

Her colleagues posted a farewell message on Facebook, remembering the woman who was passionate about her job, very knowledgeable and loved by everyone for her kind nature. She was always available. She was helped by the staff of the Archaeological Park and then by an ambulance, but unfortunately nothing could be done to save her life. Giovanna was on the first floor of the Colosseum, explaining the contents of an exhibition to the public. The immediate intervention of two tourists who performed CPR on her was not enough. According to her colleagues, it was the suffocating heat that made the guide fall ill and then die: 'We add her name to the sad list of those who have died on the job in our country, a loss for all tourist guides in Italy. May she find peace in the eternal light'.

Condolences from Minister Daniela Santanchè

The Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, sent her condolences to the family: 'I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, who died while carrying out her valuable work. I offer my sincere condolences to Giovanna's family, friends and colleagues, who have lost a dedicated and passionate professional. My thoughts are with all those who work every day to promote our sites."

The closeness of the Colosseum Archaeological Park

The Colosseum Archaeological Park, which expresses "deep sorrow at the tragic death of Giovanna Maria Giammarino and joins in the grief of her family and all those who knew her and appreciated her professional dedication, renews its heartfelt sympathy to her family and colleagues at this time of great sorrow". Alessandro Onorato, Rome's Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion, also commented: "We are shocked by the sad news. It is a tragic event. I express my deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues."

Giuli: "The human and professional value of those who protect our heritage"

In the evening, the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, expressed his condolences and announced: "This loss strongly reminds us of the human and professional value of those who contribute every day to the protection and transmission of our historical and artistic heritage. As a sign of solidarity and mourning, the lights of the Colosseum will be switched off at 9pm on Wednesday night."

Mayor Gualtieri: "News that saddens us'

For the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, "the death of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, who fell ill while working as a guide at the Colosseum Archaeological Park, is news that saddens us. On behalf of the entire administration, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and all her colleagues."