Vivian Spohr, wife of Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr, is under investigation for negligent homicide after a fatal traffic accident on the Italian island of Sardinia, her Italian lawyer confirmed on Friday.

Spohr, who has said she will place herself at the disposal of Italian judicial authorities, had been staying at her family's vacation home when the accident occurred.

What is the case against Vivian Spohr?

According to authorities, Spohr is alleged to have struck a 24-year-old Italian woman with her SUV near a road junction while on holiday in the upscale resort of Porto Cervo, in northern Sardinia's Gallura region.

The young woman, who reportedly worked as a babysitter, died at the scene on Tuesday.

Tests for alcohol and drugs came back negative, according to local investigators. Police hope security camera footage from the area will shed more light on what happened.

How has Spohr responded?

Vivian Spohr's lawyer, Angelo Merlini, released a statement on her behalf expressing "dismay and deep regret at this very serious accident."

Spohr is "fully available to the Italian judicial authorities for the necessary investigations," the statement said.

"She is aware that such a great personal loss cannot be compensated, but she will take measures to mitigate the consequences," it read. Spohr acknowledged the "unimaginable loss" for the victim's family and loved ones.

The 51-year-old Spohr returned to Germany after the accident. She is also the patron of Help Alliance, a Lufthansa-backed charity founded by airline employees.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar