Tragic Death of Former Gandia Mayor Arturo Torró Shocks Valencia

In a shocking and tragic incident, Arturo Torró, the former mayor of Gandia and a prominent businessman, was found dead with a gunshot wound on the morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025. The body of the 62-year-old was discovered in his vehicle on the A-38 highway, near the municipality of Xeresa in the Valencia region.

Circumstances of the Death

According to reports, Torró's vehicle experienced a tire failure, prompting him to exit the car. It was at this moment that he received a fatal gunshot, reportedly to the chest, although some accounts suggest the shot may have been to the head[2][4].

Torró had called his wife for help just minutes before the incident, alerting her that his car tires had been punctured. This distress call was made after he noticed the damage to his vehicle[5].

Investigation Underway

The Guardia Civil's Unidad Orgánica de Policía Judicial has launched an investigation into the violent death. The scene of the crime was secured, and forensic teams were dispatched to gather evidence. The body has been taken to the Instituto de Medicina Legal (IML) for an autopsy, which is scheduled to take place on the same day[3][5].

Background of Arturo Torró

Arturo Torró served as the mayor of Gandia from 2011 to 2015, representing the Partido Popular (PP). During his tenure, he was involved in several controversies, most notably the 'caso Tele 7', which led to his conviction in 2023. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and six and a half years of absolute disqualification for malversation related to the irregular allocation of municipal audiovisual services, causing a financial loss of half a million euros to the municipality[2][3].

Torró was also the founder of several companies, including Grupo MasVisión and Hidrosalud. He had stepped down from his role as president of the PP in Gandia in 2016 to avoid generating controversy, following his implication in various legal cases[2].

Reaction and Context

The current mayor of Gandia, José Manuel Prieto, expressed his consternation over the death, urging caution and respect as the city grapples with this tragic event. This incident adds to a history of violent crimes against public figures in the region, including the 2007 assassination of Alejandro Ponsoda, the then-mayor of Polop de la Marina[3][4].

As the investigation continues, the community of Gandia and the wider Valencia region are left to mourn the loss of a figure who, despite his controversies, played a significant role in local politics and business.