Tragic Loss: Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis Dies at 29

Wed Oct 22 2025 06:56:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

29-Year-Old Athlete Collapses During World Games in China, Passing Away Days Later

Mattia Debertolis, a promising Italian orienteer, tragically fell unconscious during an event at the World Games in Chengdu and passed away days later at 29.

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during the World Games in China last week. The 29-year-old athlete was found unconscious by event organisers during an orienteering competition on Friday in Chengdu. Despite receiving immediate and expert medical attention at one of China's top hospitals, Debertolis succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.

The exact cause of death remains unclear at this time. Debertolis was participating in the men's middle-distance final in sweltering temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius when he collapsed. He was among twelve athletes marked as "Did Not Finish" in the official results from the event.

As a member of the Italian national team, Debertolis showcased remarkable talent, achieving 5th place in the 2022 World Cup final. The World Games organisers expressed their condolences, stating they will continue to support Debertolis' family and the orienteering community in any way possible.