In June 2025, the body of 20-year-old Matteo Rossi was found near Newport Beach, Wisconsin, ending a three-month search after he went missing during a spring break trip. On April 3, Matteo, a Wright College student, was boating with his grandfather, Antonio Rossi, and Carlo Vitti on the Wisconsin River near Kilbourn Dam when their boat capsized. Carlo survived, but Antonio’s body was found the next day. Matteo’s family endured agonizing uncertainty, with his mother, Elena, describing life as “empty” and his father, Daniel, calling the wait “torture.”
Despite challenging river conditions, volunteers and police searched relentlessly. Matteo, known for his kindness, was mourned deeply after his body was identified on June 30, matching his last outfit. The tragedy, which also claimed Antonio, 75, highlighted the river’s dangers, prompting police to urge life jacket use. A GoFundMe supports funeral costs, as the Chicago family grieves the loss of Matteo and his grandfather.
