Claudio Graziano died on Monday, according to a company statement. He was the chairman of the Italian state-controlled shipbuilder Fincantieri, and a retired army general.

Fincantieri expressed its deep sorrow at the sudden death by General Claudio Graziano, but did not provide any details.

Graziano is 70 years old. In 2022, he was appointed chairman of Fincantieri. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, he was discovered dead at his home in Rome.

The Prime Minister Giorgia meloni described him as a "honorable servant of the State, who has throughout his life served the nation, the military and the institutions, with dedication, professionalism and competence".

Lucio Malan a Senator from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, also reported that there were evidences to suggest Graziano may have committed suicide.

Malan stated in a press release that "nothing indicated" that Malan might commit suicide.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, called Graziano "a great commander", "a wonderful manager and friend" and mentioned that Graziano lost his wife last year to illness.

Graziano served as the chief of the Italian Defence Forces from 2015 to 2018, and the chairman of the European Union Military Committee between 2018 and 2022.

Antonio Tajani, the Foreign Minister of Italy, posted on X: "He was a good friend and a distinguished officer who honoured Italy as well in his European roles." (Reporting and writing by Crispian B. Balmer, Gianluca S. Semeraro, and Romolo T. Tosiani; editing by Kevin Liffey, Alvise Armellini, and Elvira P. Pollina)