18-year-old prospect Julia Ituma dies in a tragic circumstances after Champions League Semi-final in Turkey

In recent hours, a tragedy strikes volleyball world after Champions League Semi-final.

The tragic death of Julia Ituma, an 18-year-old volleyball player from the Italian team Igor Gorgonzola Novara, who fell from the window of her hotel room in Turkey after competing in the Champions League semifinal against the Turkish team Eczacibasi. Her team had traveled to Istanbul for the second leg of the semifinals, where they were defeated 3-0 by the hosts.

It is still unclear what caused her death, which happened a few hours after the match but, according to Turkish authorities, she fell from the window of her hotel room around 4 in the morning, while all her teammates were sleeping, and they spoke about suicide.

The young opposite was a highly talented volleyball player and was considered one of the the greatest prospects in the world.
Originally from Nigeria, she was born in Milan and played for the youth teams of Italy before joining the top club Novara.
She had won multiple titles with the national youth teams, including the gold medal at the Under-20 World Championship in 2021, the European Championship with the Under-19 team in 2022, and another gold medal at the Youth Olympics.

All Volleytimes family extends deepest condolences to the family of the girl, her friends, Igor Gorgonzola Novara, and to all those who knew and loved her.