Reality TV Star and Model Mano Machinek Dies at 37 in Car Crash During Commercial Shoot
Reality television personality, model and automotive enthusiast Mano Machinek has died at the age of 37 following a tragic car crash in northern Italy.
Machinek was reportedly driving a classic Porsche during the filming of a commercial when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he could not be saved.
The Austrian television personality was best known for appearing in the 2022 reality programme Forsthaus Rampensau alongside his partner, Maria Maksimovic.
Fatal Accident in Northern Italy
The crash occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on July 30, 2026, near Gignese, a municipality in Italy’s Piedmont region close to Lake Maggiore.
Machinek was reportedly driving along a road on Mottarone Mountain as part of a commercial production organised by a Milan-based company. The vehicle involved was described as a rented blue Porsche 993 RS, a high-performance version of the classic Porsche 911.
According to initial media reports, Machinek apparently lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a bend. The Porsche left the road, descended a steep embankment and struck a tree.
Firefighters, paramedics, police officers and an emergency helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Machinek was reportedly trapped inside the severely damaged vehicle and had to be removed by rescue workers. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Italian authorities have not yet announced the definitive cause of the accident. The vehicle was taken into custody as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. People reported that the Carabinieri were investigating the incident.
Road Closed for Commercial Production
Reports indicate that the section of road where the accident occurred had been closed to ordinary traffic for the commercial shoot.
Machinek was believed to have been the only person inside the Porsche at the time of the crash. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved.
The accident itself was apparently not captured on camera, despite taking place during a professional production. Investigators are expected to consider several possible factors, including the vehicle’s condition, road conditions and the speed at which it was travelling.
Production representatives had not released detailed information about the commercial or the events preceding the crash.
Known for ‘Forsthaus Rampensau’
Machinek became familiar to Austrian television viewers after participating in the first season of Forsthaus Rampensau in 2022.
The Austrian reality show brings celebrity contestants together in a rural house, where they live under one roof and participate in a series of challenges. Its combination of competition, humour and interpersonal drama attracted a considerable audience.
Machinek appeared on the programme with Maksimovic. The couple became known to viewers for their relationship and personalities during the competition.
Following news of his death, the Austrian broadcaster ATV issued a message of condolence, saying it was mourning Machinek and expressing sympathy to his family and loved ones. The broadcaster also offered support to Maksimovic as she faced the devastating loss.
Model, Engineer and Television Personality
In addition to his reality television appearance, Machinek worked as a model and engineer. His career combined technical expertise with work in fashion, entertainment, photography and promotional productions.
He was particularly passionate about cars and motorsport. His social-media presence frequently featured performance vehicles, driving and automotive photography.
Cars represented more than a casual interest for Machinek. They were an important part of his personal identity and public image. His knowledge of engineering further strengthened his connection to automobiles and their design.
That passion reportedly led to his participation in the Italian commercial shoot during which the fatal accident occurred.
Partner Pays Emotional Tribute
Maksimovic confirmed Machinek’s death in an emotional social-media statement. She described him as her beloved partner and said he died while doing something he deeply loved—driving.
She recalled his affection for Porsche vehicles and the sense of freedom he experienced behind the wheel. Maksimovic said it was heartbreaking that one of Machinek’s greatest passions had become connected to the moment in which she was forced to say goodbye.
Her tribute prompted messages of sympathy from friends, television viewers and members of the entertainment community.
ATV also addressed Maksimovic directly in its tribute, wishing her strength and assuring her that the broadcaster’s team was thinking of her.
Tributes From Fans and Friends
News of Machinek’s death spread rapidly across Austrian and German-language media before being reported internationally.
Fans remembered him as an enthusiastic and energetic personality who brought authenticity to his television appearance. Others highlighted his professional versatility and his ability to work across engineering, modeling, television and automotive content.
Many of the tributes focused on his warmth, adventurous nature and enthusiasm for cars. Photographs shared following his death showed him posing beside performance vehicles or enjoying time with Maksimovic.
His death at such a young age has shocked those who followed his career, particularly because the accident happened during what should have been a controlled professional production.
Investigation Continues
Italian authorities are continuing to investigate how Machinek lost control of the Porsche. At this stage, no official conclusion has been announced, and reports about the sequence of events remain preliminary.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage and collect information from production personnel and witnesses who were present near the filming location.
Until that investigation is completed, the precise reason the vehicle left the road remains unknown.
Remembering Mano Machinek
Mano Machinek will be remembered as a multitalented individual whose professional life extended far beyond reality television. He was a model, engineer, presenter and automotive enthusiast who turned his interests into part of his public career.
His appearance on Forsthaus Rampensau introduced him to a wider audience, while his passion for cars helped him build a distinctive identity away from television.
Machinek’s sudden death brings a promising and varied life to a tragic end. He leaves behind his partner, loved ones, colleagues and viewers who came to know him through television and social media.
He was 37.
