Italian TV personality and actor Pietro Taricone died early this morning after being severely injured in a parachute jump.

The 35-year-old was taking part in a jump with his partner, Polish model-turned-actress Kasia Smutniak when a gust of wind or a wrong manouvre pushed him violently to the ground. He suffered serious head, leg and back injuries and he died during surgery.

Taricone was among the first contestants of the Italian version of Big Brother, Grande Fratello and became instant celebrity

An extreme sports enthusiast, Mr Taricone skydived regularly. Nicknamed “O’ guerriero” (The Warrior), for his muscled physique and combative attitude, he participated in the first edition of Grande Fratello in 2000. He also became renowned as a seducer, especially after engaging in an affair with Cristina Plevani after three days’ stay in the house. Ms Plevani won that year’s edition and Mr Taricone placed third.

Mr Taricone leaves behind his and Ms Smutniak’s six-year-old daughter Sofia.

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