Luca came to London from South Italy, Nereto with his mum Clarissa in 2016. His dream was to become a world famous Michelin star chef.

He was very passionate about cooking from a very early age spending hours cooking with his beloved mother Clarissa when growing up in Italy. He aspired to want to cook like Antonio Carlucci "The godfather of Italian gastronomy" and very much admired Carlo Cracco another Michelin Italian Executive Chef.

His favourite TV show was "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares" he would often laugh loud when Gordon lost his temper as well as his voice from shouting so hard. Like many Italian's he loved football, supported Juventus and was also very passionate about English Football. He would look forward to his step-father Vincenzo taking him to football matches whenever possible.

Luca started working as an apprentice at Applebee's Fish restaurant located in Borough Market. In just 2 year's he progressed to 2nd Chef, the Sous-Chef de Cuisine which is the second in command. He was a popular member of the team, and a friend to many.

Around November 2019, he managed to gain employment at the Wilder At The Boundary, East London. Restaurant venture by Michelin Head Chef Richard McLellan partnered with Sir Terence Conran. This employment sadly ended in March 2020, from the outbreak of the coronavirus. Many staff were made redundant including Luca, as the business had to close.

Luca had no underlying health issues and was understood to be very healthy. Last week he was taken by ambulance to the North Middlesex Hospital in Enfield, North London, but died 30 minutes later apparent fulminant pneumonia. The family have been informed following a post-mortem that Luca had contracted the virus.

Luca's brother Davide Di Nicola, has paid tribute to his sibling on his Instagram, saying "I love you brother". He said "We both grew and matured and you, surely more mature than me, had the courage and desire to bring new goals. "Cooking your greatest passion would have taken you far.

"This Carnival photo represents one of the few hangovers taken together, I drank a little to tell the truth but I had a lot of fun staring at you and holding you. " I would have liked to spend so many other days and evenings with you and I swear that I will take you with me every day, on every occasion. Every time I take the field. "I will try to express some of your wishes and fulfil part of your dreams, it will be like going it together also because you are here with me and you will always be, I send you a hug up there, to that starred restaurant. "I love you my brother. "

Luca was unwell for a week before he died. The GP had given him some paracetamol. His condition was dismissed as a cold. If he had been tested he would have received treatment and may still be alive. His parents said they called the ambulance, revived him but his lungs collapsed, full of water and blood. They intubated him and immediately hospitalised him in intensive care at North Middlesex Hospital in London but after half an hour, around 7pm, Luca died.

Luca's parents are reported to have the same symptoms, and following his death, have been advised to self-isolate for two weeks.

I am hoping to raise money for the family of Luca Di Nicola, 19, who sadly passed away to help repatriate his body back home to Italy.

Please donate generously to help raise money for the funeral cost and to support the family. The family are heartbroken due to the devastation caused by the Coronavirus. Luca was a loving son and brother, his smile was heart warming and he was gentle and kind.

Family statement: "We would also like to thank all the medics and professionals who did all they could to save Luca’s life and everyone for their support for raising money for his funeral expenses and for the family. We are extremely grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of support from all over the world and to everyone who has donated even though they did not know Luca. The impact of his death has touched the heart of so many and we are truly humbled by this. "

May God grant the family patience through this difficult time and make it a means of drawing closer to Him.

Let's get Luca home.