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Venice crash: Italian newlywed’s family issues statement of thanks

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The family of the Italian woman killed Saturday when a man crashed his car into at least a dozen pedestrians on the Venice boardwalk released a statement through their attorney Tuesday, saying they want “to express our sincere gratitude for the thoughts and prayers from so many around the world.”

Alice Gruppioni, 32, an Italian tourist on her honeymoon, died Saturday. Witnesses told police that a blue Dodge sedan sped across Ocean Front Walk at about 6 p.m., appearing to target pedestrians. Nathan Louis Campbell, 38, has been arrested in connection with the rampage.

In the statement provided by the firm Shernoff, Bidart, Echeverria and Bentley, family members said they appreciated the “professional attention and kindness” given to them by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and also said they wanted to thank the Consul General of Italy for his assistance bringing the Gruppioni’s body home.

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“No words can adequately express the grief and sorrow we are feeling as we mourn the loss of a beautiful person, family member and young bride,” the statement read. “Thank you all for your concerns as we begin to search for answers.”

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to install temporary traffic barriers at the Venice Boardwalk.

Saying the Venice neighborhood is “shaken” by the incident, Councilman Mike Bonin asked his colleagues to instruct various city agencies to place the temporary barriers at the most hazardous intersections along Ocean Front Walk until a permanent strategy for keeping cars away from pedestrians is developed.

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Bonin said the city should treat the boardwalk, which receives millions of visitors per year, less like a neighborhood park and more like a global tourist destination.

Campbell pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count of murder, 16 counts of assault with a deadly weapon and 17 counts of hit-and-run.

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Twitter: @aribloomekatz | Facebook

ari.bloomekatz@latimes.com

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