LASCARI, SICILY — Giovanni Greco sent himself, literally, to an early grave.

Greco, 63, was so keen that his future mausoleum would be a perfect fit that he liked to visit it ensure the builders were making it just right.

He slipped, hit his head and fell into his own tomb.

But his latest visit proved to be his last.

According to local media reports, Greco was making his regular trip to the construction site in the small cemetery in his hometown of Lascari at the weekend.

He climbed a ladder to get a better view of the top of the mausoleum when he slipped, hit his head on a marble step, and fell into his own tomb.

[Thanks to Harry Farkas for this contribution.]