Barbie Dollmakers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi Die in Head-On Car Crash

Barbie doll designers and collectors Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi have died in a tragic wrong-way car crash in northern Italy.

Their car, which was traveling on Sunday, July 27 in the right direction on the A4 Turin-Milan highway, collided head-on with another vehicle driven by 82 year-old Egidio Ceriano as he drove the wrong way after leaving a toll booth and steered into the wrong lane, according to ANSA, the Italian news service.

A third passenger in Paglino and Grossi’s car also died, while a fourth passenger survived, but remains in critical condition in the hospital. Ceriano, the elderly driver, also died in the wrong way collision.  

On news of the tragic car crash, Barbie doll maker Mattel on Instagram paid tribute to Paglino and Grossi in a statement: “The Barbie team is heartbroken by the loss of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, two treasured creators and Mattel collaborators who brought joy and artistry to the world of Barbie as Magia 2000.”

Fashion designer Paglino and graphic art director Grossi launched their company Magia 2000 in 1999 and over the years collaborated with Mattel to create a host of Barbie dolls, dresses and special collections.

“As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece. Beyond their remarkable talent, they shared an energy that lit up every space they entered,” Mattel added alongside a photo of Paglino and Grossi posing besides a Barbie sign.