Three Hunters Found Dead in Remote Sicilian Mountains

Mysterious Deaths in Nebrodi Mountains Spark Investigation

Italian authorities have launched a major investigation after three hunters were found dead with gunshot wounds in a remote forest in Sicily's Nebrodi mountain range. The bodies of Antonio Gatani, 82, and brothers Giuseppe and Davis Pino, aged 44 and 26 respectively, were discovered on January 29, 2026 near the town of Montagnareale on the northern side of the island.

The Discovery and Victims

The grim discovery was made by a concerned acquaintance of the 82-year-old Gatani, who had grown worried when the elderly hunter failed to return from his expedition. All three men were found close together, still wearing their hunting gear and carrying ammunition belts. Their vehicles were parked nearby in the rugged terrain of the Nebrodi Mountains, a protected national park area known for its dense forests and wildlife.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, the men were hunting wild Nebrodi black pigs, a local delicacy prized for its flavor. The younger victims were brothers, while the elderly hunter was reportedly not acquainted with them, raising questions about how the three came to be hunting together.

Investigation Theories

The Patti Public Prosecutor's Office is considering multiple scenarios in what has become a complex investigation. 'All possibilities remain open at this stage,' a judicial source told reporters, 'but we are focusing on two main hypotheses that appear most plausible given the evidence.'

The first theory suggests a possible double homicide followed by suicide, where one hunter may have shot the other two during an argument before turning the weapon on himself. The second scenario involves a triple murder committed by an unknown fourth party. Authorities have ruled out organized crime involvement, as none of the victims had criminal records or known mafia connections.

Hunting Culture and Context

The incident highlights the complex relationship between hunting, conservation, and illegal activities in Sicily's remote regions. The Nebrodi Mountains, part of the Sicilian Apennines, cover approximately 857 square kilometers of protected parkland established in 1993. The area is known for its wild boar population, which has led to both legal hunting activities and illegal poaching operations.

'This is a tragic event that has shocked our community,' said local resident Maria Conti. 'Hunting is part of our tradition here, but we've never seen anything like this before.'

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of hunting practices in the region, with several incidents involving illegal hunting and smuggling of game meat across the Mediterranean. The wild boar meat from Nebrodi pigs commands premium prices on both legal and black markets.

Ongoing Investigation

Carabinieri police are conducting autopsies and ballistic tests to determine the exact circumstances of the deaths. Investigators are interviewing family members and acquaintances while examining whether there might have been a fourth person present during the hunting trip.

The remote location and challenging terrain have complicated evidence collection. 'The Nebrodi region presents unique challenges for investigators,' explained forensic expert Dr. Giovanni Rossi. 'The mountainous terrain, weather conditions, and limited accessibility mean we need to be methodical in our approach.'

As the investigation continues, local communities remain on edge, with many questioning how such violence could occur in what is typically considered a peaceful, traditional activity. The case has drawn national attention in Italy, with media outlets closely following developments in what remains one of the most mysterious hunting-related incidents in recent Sicilian history.