Italian media

Trieste: Dead man from Graz is said to have been a hospital doctor

On Monday, as reported, a 63-year-old man from Graz died of carbon monoxide poisoning while on New Year's Eve vacation in Trieste. According to Italian media reports, he was a well-known doctor: Berndt Urlesberger was head of the premature baby ward at the LKH University Hospital in Graz until last year.

The couple from Graz had traveled to Trieste to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends. However, they were unable to reach the 63-year-old man and his 62-year-old wife on Monday, and at around 9 p.m. the fire department entered the apartment - which was probably owned by the Styrian - and detected carbon monoxide.

There was no rescue for the man from Graz, his wife was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Ten other people in the building are said to have shown minor signs of poisoning.

The public prosecutor's office in Trieste has started an investigation. According to initial findings, the source of the carbon monoxide is said to be an apartment on the third floor - the death occurred on the fourth floor. 

As the Italian newspaper "Il Piccolo" reports, the victim is Berndt Urlesberger. The well-known and popular doctor from Graz worked for 30 years in the neonatology department at Graz University Hospital, where he managed the facility for twelve years, providing loving care for around 800 premature babies - often weighing just a few hundred grams - every year.

He only retired in mid-2024, but wanted to set up his own children's ward for the Hansa Private Clinic in Graz.