Japanese Tourist Dies After Falling From Rome Pantheon

A Japanese tourist identified by the embassy as 69-year-old Morimasa Hibino (some outlets reported 71) died after falling from the perimeter wall of Rome's Pantheon late Friday at about 9:50 p.m., dropping roughly seven metres into the ditch around the sunken monument. A passing priest spotted him and alerted authorities; emergency services and firefighters forced a gate to reach the site and recovered his body. He had been visiting with his daughter, who told police he was overcome by a sudden illness or dizziness while sitting on the wall. An investigation has been opened and police say no foul play is suspected. Officials noted the Pantheon is one of Rome’s most visited sites and that similar fatal falls have occurred this year, including a recent death at the Spanish Steps.