Toronto hairdresser found dead in L.A.
Fabio Sementilli had been beaten and stabbed at his California home
Family, friends and fans of internationally known Toronto hairdresser and beauty company executive Fabio Sementilli are devastated after he was found beaten and stabbed at his home in Los Angeles on Monday.
“He’s touched so many people, he’s helped so many people in their careers, inspiring them,” said Sementilli’s son, Luigi.
Detectives did not immediately provide a possible motive, but friends and family said 49-year-old Sementilli walked in on a home invasion in the upscale Woodland Hills neighbourhood.
“I don’t doubt for a second in my mind that he wouldn’t have let these people invade his home without defending his honour, defending his family,” said his 24-year-old son.
Police said Sementilli was bleeding profusely and died at the scene after he was found in the outdoor patio of his gated home. His black 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera was missing from the home, they added.
The Toronto-born and raised Sementilli began his career in the city, inspired by his older sister’s work as a hairstylist.
He worked for decades as a trendsetting hairstylist himself, won international awards, and served as vice-president of education for beauty products giant Coty Inc.
On Friday, Sementilli posted a photograph on Facebook of his1987 hairstylist certification and reminisced about how his 30-year career was aided by a strong work ethic and support from colleagues.
“I’m optimistic, I’m driven and I don’t accept the habit of negativity around me,” he wrote.
“We are devastated by this tragedy,” said a Coty spokesperson in a statement. “Fabio was an icon in the hairdressing industry, a pillar of his team at Wella and our dear friend. He will be very sorely missed.”
Sementilli had established himself as a “mentor and positive role model to so many,” said Alison Alhamed, editor in chief of the journal Modern Salon.
“He could barely walk a few feet on a trade show floor without someone stopping him to take a selfie with him and share how much he impacted their career,” Alhamed said.
Sementelli’s nephew Anthony Picillo recalled his uncle as a social man who loved his friends and family and enjoyed cigars and golfing.
“He was like the head, the captain of our family,” he said. “He was a selfless human being. He was always asking how we were doing, he wanted to make sure that we were OK.”
Services are planned for Sementilli in Los Angeles and in Toronto.