Davide Antonio Di Lernia, the 47-year-old son of late radio host Leone Di Lernia, died early Sunday in Milan when his motorcycle struck a tramway safety barrier on via Mecenate. Investigators are reviewing local CCTV footage to determine why the vehicle veered off course.
Tragic Crash in via Mecenate Claims 47-Year-Old Videomaker
Davide Antonio Di Lernia lost control of his motorcycle shortly after midnight between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. The 47-year-old was traveling along via Mecenate in Milan, heading toward piazza Ovidio in the eastern outskirts of the city, when the accident occurred near number 74.
The long stretch of road features tram tracks running down the center, protected by metal barriers. According to local police reports, the rider deviated suddenly toward the left and crashed into the metal balaustrade. The impact was violent, and emergency responders from 118, who arrived with an ambulance and medical car within minutes, could only confirm his death at the scene.
Following Behind the Scenes in Italian Radio
Born in Milan in 1978, Davide Di Lernia chose to work in the entertainment, music, and communication industry, following the footsteps of his father. Leone Di Lernia, the comedic singer, imitator, and host renowned for his work on the radio program Lo Zoo di 105, passed away in February 2017 at the age of 78.
Unlike his father, who spent decades as a prominent on-air personality, Davide built his career behind the scenes as a videomaker, producer, and director, working with traditional production techniques as well as artificial intelligence tools. He collaborated with major Italian radio networks including Radio Monte Carlo, Radio 105 Network, and Virgin Radio.
Friends and colleagues noted that just hours before the crash, he attended a DJ set by Carl Cox at Carroponte, sharing video clips of the electronic music performance on social media.
Investigation and Judicial Seizure of the Motorcycle
Officers from the Radiomobile unit of the local police responded immediately to the crash site to carry out technical measurements. The public prosecutor on duty has ordered the seizure of the motorcycle, and the body has been placed at the disposal of the judicial authority.
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Investigators are examining whether excessive speed played a role or if the rider was forced into a sudden swerve. Police are gathering witness statements and reviewing surrounding closed-circuit security camera footage to reconstruct the exact sequence of events, though preliminary findings suggest no other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Tributes from the Radio Community
Colleagues remembered Davide not only for his professional dedication but also for his devotion as a father to his daughter.
Marco Mazzoli of Radio 105 stated that there are pains that cannot be explained, pains that take your breath away and leave you motionless, unable to find the words, adding that while Leone’s death was devastating, they knew that terrible illness was slowly taking him away and they had time—however terrible—to prepare to lose him, but not Davide, concluding that he could not believe it.
Mazzoli added that Davide had been an essential pillar of their extended radio family, sharing years of work, laughter, and milestones.
Parallel Legacies in Entertainment
Nine years prior, Davide delivered a eulogy at his father’s funeral that resonated with fans across the country, highlighting a profound personal and creative bond between father and son.
As authorities finalize their technical reports on the via Mecenate crash, the family—including Davide’s mother Rosa Nenna and his siblings Elena, Savino, and Marco—receives condolences from across the entertainment sector as Milan mourns a second generation of the Di Lernia family.