Tragic Fall of Japanese Tourist at Rome's Pantheon

On the night of October 24, 2025, a 69-year-old Japanese tourist, Morimasa Hibino, died after falling approximately seven meters (23 feet) from the perimeter wall of the Pantheon in Rome. The incident occurred around 9:50 PM local time, as Hibino was reportedly sitting on the wall when he lost his balance. His daughter, who was accompanying him, indicated that he may have been overcome by a sudden illness, causing dizziness before the fall.

CNN

Emergency services, including local police and firefighters, responded swiftly to the scene after a priest passing by alerted authorities upon seeing Hibino lying in a ditch adjacent to the monument. Rescuers had to force open a gate to access the area where Hibino was found, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pantheon, a significant historical site and Catholic church, was closed to the public at the time of the incident.

BBC News

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall. Initial reports suggest that no foul play is suspected. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras captured the moments leading up to the fall, showing Hibino sitting alone on the parapet before losing his balance. The investigation aims to clarify the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic incident.

Euronews

This incident marks the second fatal fall involving tourists in Rome within the year. In March 2025, a 55-year-old Spanish woman died after falling from a high wall at the Spanish Steps. The increase in tourist activity in Rome, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised concerns about safety at popular sites. In 2024, the city recorded over 22 million tourist arrivals, with the Pantheon being one of the most visited attractions, drawing millions annually.

The Guardian

Rome police confirmed that they are investigating the incident and reiterated that no foul play is suspected. The Pantheon, renowned for its architectural significance and historical importance, has seen a surge in visitors since the introduction of a ticketing system in 2023, which previously allowed free entry.

The Guardian

While the investigation is ongoing, some critics have raised concerns about the safety measures in place at popular tourist sites like the Pantheon. The presence of barriers and the management of tourist behavior near high walls have been questioned, especially in light of recent incidents.

The Guardian

• “The man was understood to be visiting Rome with his daughter, who told police he fell after being overcome by a sudden illness.” — Daughter of Morimasa Hibino

Daily Mail

The tragic fall of Morimasa Hibino highlights ongoing safety concerns for tourists at historical sites in Rome. As investigations continue, authorities may need to reassess safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

People Magazine