Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

An Italian family of four with no underlying health conditions have all died of COVID-19 in the same week.

Alfredo Bertucci, 86, died on 27th March in the town of Voghera in the northern Italian region of Lombardy.

His death was quickly followed by his two sons, named as 54-year-old Daniele and 46-year-old Claudio, and his 77-year-old wife Angela Albergati after they fell ill around 10 days ago, according to local media.

The mother, who was treated in the same hospital as her family members, died this morning (1st April).

According to local media, the family all displayed the common symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough, breathing difficulties.

Reports said they did not have any underlying health conditions.

Alfredo Bertucci was a well respected blacksmith in the area and he had passed on his knowledge to his two sons.

His youngest son Claudio said in a recent interview with a local newspaper: “I only felt I was a good blacksmith after around 10 years, at least to my father’s level. He taught me this profession.”

Family friend Massimo Giovanni Fasano told local media: “We are all so upset, it is a real tragedy.

“They were all so healthy and strong.”

According to local media, the region of Lombardy is one of the worst hit by COVID-19.

As of 1st April, Italy has reported 105,792 cases of COVID-19 and 12,428 related deaths, according to the latest data from the Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, 15,729 people have gone on to make full recoveries.

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