A 26-year-old bartender, Alex Marangon, was found dead after participating in a shamanic ceremony at the Abbey of Santa Bona in Vidor, northern Italy.
The two-day spiritual gathering took place from June 29 to June 30, attended by 20 people.
Witnesses reported that Alex ran off at 3 am on June 30, leaving his car, phone, and documents behind.
He was last seen barefoot, running into gardens near the abbey on the banks of the Piave River. Before disappearing, Alex had consumed a hallucinogenic tea made from a South American plant, which is illegal in Italy. He was reported missing at 6 am.
On July 3, his body was found by a helicopter several kilometres downstream of the Piave River. Italian prosecutors allege he was beaten to death before being dumped in the river.
An autopsy revealed injuries to his skull and ribs, causing internal bleeding, which were consistent with being beaten with a blunt object.
Investigators concluded that more than one person killed Alex before his body was disposed of in the river.
The possibility of death from a fall or suicide has been ruled out due to the nature and distribution of his wounds and internal injuries. A forensic pathologist confirmed that Alex was severely beaten with multiple blows to his body and head.
Lawyer Nicodemo Gentile, representing the Marangon family, described the findings as indicative of a violent struggle, contradicting theories of suicide.
Toxicological tests are still pending, so it remains unclear whether Alex was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death.
Authorities will ask all ceremony attendees to assemble Alex between 33 am and 66 am. His family has urged those present to come forward with any information.
In a statement, Alex’s Sabrina described him as a brilliant, life-loving young man who would never have left without his phone or disappeared willingly.
Alex, who hailed from Macron near Venice, is also being investigated for possible involvement in satanic cults. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
