Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Versace's ashes returned to Italy

Friday 18 July 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The ashes of murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace were returned to Italy yesterday, ahead of a private family funeral near the peaceful home on Lake Como he loved so much.

Reporters at Versace's residence in the lakeside village of Moltrasio saw two black limousines carrying Versace's sister, Donatella, and brother, Santo, sweep through the gates and disappear down the drive soon after they arrived from Miami.

A private plane carrying the family and an urn containing the ashes, landed in the nearby town of Bergamo, to avoid crowds of waiting media in Milan.

A helicopter then whisked them to Como, where the jet-setting designer had an 18th century neo-classical villa he used as a retreat.

His family was expected to hold a service during the weekend near the three-storey villa.

Reporters saw two private security guards at the village cemetery, where the family had expressed a wish for Versace to be laid to rest, and the chapel was being cleaned.

A memorial mass was planned in the enormous Roman Catholic cathedral in Milan, Italy's fashion capital, early next week.

Police were still trying to track down Andrew Cunanan, a 27-year-old homosexual prostitute and alleged serial killer whom they describe as their only suspect in Versace's murder.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in