Vivian Alexandra Spohr is the wife of Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa Group. She has been serving as the patroness of Help Alliance, a Lufthansa-backed charity supporting global youth education and development, since 2014.
Tragically, on July 8, 2025, during a family vacation in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Vivian was involved in a fatal traffic incident. She struck 24-year-old Gaia Costa, a local babysitter, with her BMW X5 at a pedestrian crossing. Costa sustained severe head injuries and died at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts.
Vivian reportedly continued driving after the collision, unaware of the impact, until bystanders flagged her down. She fainted upon realizing the severity of the situation. Investigations are ongoing to determine if distraction, such as phone use, contributed to the accident. Vivian tested negative for alcohol and drugs at the scene.
Following the incident, Vivian returned to Germany. Her lawyer stated that she is fully cooperating with Italian authorities and deeply regrets the accident. She has expressed her willingness to assist in the investigation as needed.
Early Life and Education
Born in Germany, Vivian grew up in a family that valued education and community service. Details about her early life and education remain private, reflecting her preference for maintaining a low public profile. However, her later involvement in international humanitarian work suggests a strong foundation in social sciences or a related field.
Height and Physical Appearance
Vivian stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. She has a poised and elegant demeanor, often seen at public events alongside her husband. Her appearance complements her role as a public figure committed to social causes.
Family Life
Vivian is married to Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa Group. The couple has two daughters. Their family life is kept relatively private, with occasional glimpses shared during public appearances or charity events. Vivian’s role as a mother and wife is central to her personal identity, balancing her family commitments with her philanthropic endeavors.
Career and Philanthropy
Patroness of Help Alliance
In September 2014, Vivian was appointed as the patroness of Help Alliance, a non-profit organization founded by Lufthansa employees. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach, supporting numerous projects aimed at improving education and social conditions for children and young people worldwide. Vivian has personally visited many of these projects, emphasizing her hands-on approach to philanthropy. Notable initiatives include the iThemba Primary School in South Africa, which provides education to over 1,000 children.
Advocacy for Education and Social Causes
Vivian’s advocacy focuses on providing access to education and empowering youth in underserved communities. She has been instrumental in transforming Help Alliance into a globally recognized organization, fostering local ownership in its projects and building a network of experts in education and social entrepreneurship. Her commitment to these causes reflects a deep personal conviction in the power of education to change lives.
Net Worth
While specific details about Vivian Spohr’s personal net worth are not publicly disclosed, her financial standing is closely tied to her husband’s position as CEO of Lufthansa Group. Carsten Spohr’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million as of October 2024. It’s important to note that Vivian’s wealth is not the focal point of her public life; rather, her philanthropic efforts and dedication to social causes define her legacy.
Personal Life
Vivian maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited public disclosures about her interests and activities outside of her philanthropic work. Her commitment to her family and charitable endeavors suggests a life centered around service and community. She is known for her grace and composure, traits that have endeared her to colleagues and those involved in the projects she supports.
Recent Tragedy and Legal Proceedings
In July 2025, Vivian was involved in a tragic accident in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, where she struck and fatally injured 24-year-old Gaia Costa, a local babysitter, while driving her BMW X5. Reports indicate that Costa attempted to signal the vehicle to stop before the collision occurred. Vivian continued driving until bystanders flagged her down; she fainted upon realizing the severity of the situation. Emergency responders attempted to revive Costa, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, Vivian returned to Germany. Her lawyer stated that she is fully cooperating with Italian authorities and deeply regrets the accident. She has expressed her willingness to assist in the investigation as needed.
The Costa family is devastated by the loss, with their lawyer describing them as “destroyed” by Gaia’s death.
Conclusion
Vivian Spohr Lopez’s life is a testament to the impact of compassionate leadership and dedication to social causes. Through her role as patroness of Help Alliance, she has significantly contributed to improving the lives of many children and young people worldwide. While the recent tragedy has cast a shadow over her personal life, her commitment to philanthropy and her family remains steadfast. As investigations continue, the focus will likely shift back to her enduring legacy of service and the positive changes she has fostered in communities around the globe.
FAQs
Who is Vivian Spohr Lopez?
Vivian Spohr Lopez is a German philanthropist and the wife of Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group. She is known for her role as the patroness of Help Alliance, a charity supported by Lufthansa employees.
What is Help Alliance?
Help Alliance is a non-profit organization founded by Lufthansa employees, focusing on improving education and social conditions for children and young people worldwide. Vivian Spohr has been its patroness since 2014.
What happened in the accident involving Vivian Spohr?
In July 2025, Vivian was involved in a tragic accident in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, where she struck and fatally injured 24-year-old Gaia Costa while driving her BMW X5.
Is Vivian Spohr under investigation?
Yes, Italian authorities are investigating the incident for potential negligent homicide. Vivian has pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
What is Vivian Spohr’s educational background?
Specific details about Vivian’s education are not publicly disclosed, but her philanthropic work suggests a strong foundation in social sciences or a related field.
How tall is Vivian Spohr?
Vivian stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Does Vivian Spohr have children?
Yes, Vivian and Carsten Spohr have two daughters.
What is Vivian Spohr’s net worth?
Specific details about Vivian’s personal net worth are not publicly disclosed. Her financial standing is closely tied to her husband’s position as CEO of Lufthansa Group.
What are some of the projects supported by Help Alliance?
Notable projects include the iThemba Primary School in South Africa, which provides education to over 1,000 children.
How has Vivian Spohr responded to the accident?
Vivian has expressed profound regret and sorrow for the incident and has pledged full cooperation with Italian authorities in the ongoing investigation.
