A 50-year-old waiter choked to death on a piece of mozzarella during his meal break at an Italian restaurant in a freak accident.

Adriano Pomponessi had been working at the beachside eaterie at the Carbonelli resort in Sabaudia, western Italy, during a music festival on 26th July.

But during a meal break he gobbled down a bite of the chewy cheese which got lodged in his windpipe.

Adriano Poponessi poses in undated photo. He died after choking on mozzarella in Sabaudia, Italy, on Jul.26, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

After his co-workers failed to remove the obstruction they dialed the emergency services who helicoptered Adriano to hospital.

But by the time he arrived at the Santa Maria Goretti Hospital he was already having a massive heart attack and after an hour of frantic treatment he was declared dead.

Prosecutors for Latina Province have opened an inquiry into Adriano's death.

Meanwhile music festival organisers called off the rest of the show out of respect for the waiter.

Adriano Poponessi poses in undated photo. He died after choking on mozzarella in Sabaudia, Italy, on Jul.26, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by Adriano’s tragic passing and join the Carbonelli people in their grief."

Staff at London's 2 Veneti restaurant added: "We share the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved friend Adriano Poponessi.

"Adriano touched so many lives and brought warmth to countless evenings for our customers and friends. He will be deeply missed."

(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)