Street artist Gesta Future and photographer Valentina Venditti among Raganello flood victims

Two artists, Carlo Maurici (35) and Valentina Venditti (34), died in a flash flood in the Raganello Gorges near Civita, Cosenza, Calabria, which killed ten hikers and injured eleven. Maurici, known as Gesta Future, was a street artist and tattooer famous for his geometric "Astroface" murals across Italy. In 2014 he painted "Restiamo Umani" in Rome, and in 2015 he created a large piece at the Fontana Luminosa underpass for L'Aquila's Re_Acto Fest. Venditti, a former hotel receptionist, became a photographer specializing in street art and the Italian rap scene, often documenting Maurici's work. The couple, together for over 12 years, shared a passion for travel and art. Their funeral was held on August 24 at San Marcellino e Pietro church in Torpignattara, Rome, attended by deputy mayor Luca Bergamo, who promised memorial initiatives. The flood has sparked controversy over inadequate warnings: a yellow weather alert was issued but rains were heavier, and no access ban was enacted for the Pollino National Park, now closed by judicial order. The Castrovillari prosecutor's office is investigating.