SHE CALLED POLICE FROM THE TRUNK — MOMENTS LATER, HER EX ALLEGEDLY THREW HER FROM A BRIDGE

A desperate call for help. A terrifying drive. Then a fall from a highway bridge.

Lorena Isceri, a 45-year-old woman from Florence, Italy, died on Sept. 3 after authorities say her former boyfriend allegedly abducted her from her home and drove her to a bridge along the A1 highway.

The man, identified as 38-year-old Federico Vella, also died after falling from the bridge in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.

But investigators still have one crucial question to answer:

Was Isceri already dead before she was thrown from the bridge — or did she die from the fall?

SHE WAS ALLEGEDLY TAKEN FROM HER HOME

According to PEOPLE and Italian media reports, Vella allegedly waited inside Isceri’s garage in Florence’s Rifredi area for her to return home on Thursday, Sept. 3.

When she arrived, he allegedly abducted her and placed her inside the trunk of his vehicle.

Isceri, who worked in the veterinary sector, reportedly still had her cellphone with her.

From inside the vehicle, she managed to call police and seek help.

But according to investigators cited by PEOPLE, Vella allegedly took the phone from her before continuing the drive.

The journey ended at a bridge on the A1 highway.

THE HORRIFYING FINAL MOMENTS

Highway patrol officers reportedly arrived as Vella was standing on the bridge.

But before authorities could intervene, he allegedly threw Isceri from the bridge.

Moments later, Vella jumped himself.

Both died.

Investigators have now ordered an autopsy to establish exactly what happened to Isceri before her body was found — including whether she suffered fatal injuries before the fall or died as a result of the plunge. 

HER MOTHER KNEW SHE WAS AFRAID

In an interview with SkyTG24, Isceri’s mother said her daughter had previously spoken about the relationship and was frightened.

The revelation has added another disturbing layer to the investigation.

Vella had also publicly expressed his heartbreak after the couple’s breakup.

On Aug. 12, he posted a montage of photographs and videos of the pair on Instagram, accompanied by an emotional message about losing the woman he loved.

Just weeks later, investigators say the former relationship ended in tragedy.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Florence Prosecutor’s Office and the city’s mobile squad are investigating the deaths.

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction, Isceri’s final moments and the exact cause of her death.

The case is also being viewed against a wider backdrop of violence against women in Italy.

According to data cited by PEOPLE from feminist organization Non Una di Meno, 40 women had been killed in Italy by Aug. 8, with seven — including Isceri — reportedly killed by a current or former partner. 

For investigators, however, the most urgent questions remain personal and painfully specific:

What happened inside that car?

What did Lorena experience before police arrived?

And most importantly — was the fatal fall the cause of her death, or only the final act of a tragedy that had already begun?

Those answers now depend on the forensic investigation and autopsy.