A tragedy has struck the community of Padenghe with the news of the death of Josè Manuel Montilla, a 50-year-old resident of the Brescia municipality, following the collapse of the JetSet nightclub in Santo Domingo, which occurred at dawn last Tuesday. Montilla was on vacation with his wife, Lucy Amantina Castillo, who survived the incident and has already been discharged from the hospital. The couple, originally from the Dominican Republic, had met by Lake Garda, where they built a life together and had a son who is about to turn six. The tragedy has resulted in a devastating toll of 225 dead and 189 injured, including notable names such as artist Rubby Perez and former Major League Baseball players.
Today, April 12, is the day of the final farewell for Montilla, who will be buried in his homeland. For over ten years, he and Lucy Castillo worked at the Splendido Bay Hotel in Padenghe; he specialized in logistics and general services, while she handled breakfast services. Ivan Favalli, head of the hotel group that employed them, remembered Montilla as a hardworking individual who was well-integrated into the local community. In a show of respect for his passing, the hotel staff observed a minute of silence at all locations and established a fund to support the family during this difficult time.
