The family of Thijs Gosseling from Enschede has traveled to Italy after the 45-year-old man drowned in Lake Como while trying to save his 16-year-old son.
Gosseling was on vacation with his three children near Menaggio. The family had rented a boat for a trip across the lake.
His eldest son went swimming and got into trouble, prompting Gosseling to jump in to help, but he did not resurface.
The two younger children remained on the boat and attracted the attention of local fishermen and other water recreators.
A father and son on a SUP board managed to rescue the 16-year-old boy. Gosseling was reported missing thereafter.
Search and Recovery
The coast guard launched an extensive search operation involving a helicopter and specialized divers. Sonar equipment located Gosseling's body at a depth of 25 meters on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services recovered the body and transferred it to the morgue at the Como hospital, where forensic investigations are underway.
Gosseling’s father, Bram, traveled to Italy to identify his son's body and manage repatriation procedures. The man's mother also departed for Italy.
The family’s primary concern is to bring the body back to Enschede.
Gosseling worked in finance and came from a family with a background in construction.
His father co-founded the construction company Gosseling Ter Horst, which started as a small handyman business in 1982 and grew into a full construction firm over the years.
The 16-year-old son was taken to a hospital in Gravedona for medical checks and is reported to be in good physical condition.
The two younger children have been placed under care by Italian authorities elsewhere.
Funeral director Pedro Swier from Enschede, who is part of the National Forensic Investigation Team, explained the repatriation protocol.
"Standard procedure requires the justice system to first confirm that the incident was an accident without third-party involvement," Swier said.
He added that official documents are needed before Italian authorities can release the body, with the process usually lasting several days but prioritizing careful handling over speed.
Gosseling’s parents are active members of the Evangelical Church in Enschede, which Gosseling also attended before moving for his studies.
After graduating from Nyenrode Business University, he built a career at the Dutch branch of an American financial company.
A church spokesperson said, "We are currently discussing how to commemorate the victim in consultation with the parents."
It remains undecided if Gosseling will be buried in Enschede, dependent on the wishes of his parents and ex-wife.
