Italian freelance photographer caught in shootout in Bangkok clashes; dies of wounds

Italian photographer killed in Bangkok clash

ROME — The family of Italian freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi say he was killed by gunfire during clashes between the military and demonstrators in Bangkok.

Italian news reports said Polenghi, 45, had been in Thailand for three months on assignment for a European magazine, whose name wasn’t immediately given. Italian journalists in Bangkok said he was wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet when shot in the stomach Wednesday. They said he was rushed by motorscooter to a hospital, where he died.

Polenghi’s family in Milan said the Italian foreign ministry confirmed his death. He was described as a versatile photographer whose 25-year body of work included fashion shoots and advertisement assignments but whose passion was overseas news reportage.

Corriere della Sera reported the shooting erupted when demonstrators tried to resist soldiers pushing through barricades.