On a bike tour in Alpso ,
Pantone King († 56) killed by lightning
Alberto Baloco (56) with his confectionery empire stood for La Dolce Vita…
The life of the Italian Panettone king came to a bitter end on Saturday: he, along with his old friend David Vigo (55), was struck by lightning. The two loved the mountains and were out on their e-bikes in the Alps when a storm took them by surprise.
Rescuers load one of the bodies into a helicopter
Because there was no shelter at 2381 m above sea level, Baloco and Vigo had no chance of defending themselves. In Susa Valley, a motorist found their lifeless bodies between two rocks. Rescuers arrived with a helicopter, but could only determine that their old friend was dead, because “ la stampainformed of.
Alberto headed the family business “Balco” in the third generation. Since 1927, Baloccos and his now 500 employees have been making biscuits and panettone, the Christmas cake popular in Italy.
Panettone is a popular Italian pastry mostly eaten at Christmas.
A particularly hard blow to the family: Alberto’s father, Aldo, died less than two months ago at the age of 91. Senior is considered the inventor of the almond panettone (“mandorlatto”).
Alberto Baloco leaves behind his wife and three children. His sister is the co-owner of the family business. It is not clear whether she will be his successor. (NKO)
