Teen Golfer Identified as First Victim in Deadly Swiss Ski Resort Fire That Killed at Least 40
Teen Golfer Emanuele Galeppini Identified as First Victim of Deadly Swiss Ski Resort Fire
Italian teenage golfer Emanuele Galeppini, 17, has been identified as the first confirmed victim of the devastating fire that tore through a crowded bar at a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s celebrations, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100 others.
The fatal blaze erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular alpine resort in Switzerland, turning what was meant to be a night of celebration into a national tragedy.
Italian Golf Federation Confirms Galeppini’s Death
The Italian Golf Federation confirmed Galeppini’s death in a public statement shared on Instagram, describing him as a young athlete defined by passion, dedication, and strong personal values.
“The Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him,” the statement read.
“At this time of great sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.”
The tribute was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of Galeppini bearing the words “Ciao Emanuele” — “Goodbye Emanuele.”
Italian news agency ANSA reported that Galeppini was 17 years old at the time of his death.
Scale of the Tragedy Still Emerging
Authorities say the fire broke out during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Le Constellation bar, which was filled with holiday visitors and tourists from across Europe. Early reports suggested dozens of fatalities, a figure later confirmed by officials.
The Cantonal Police of Valais announced that approximately 40 people had died, with at least 115 injured. At a press conference on January 2, officials updated those figures, stating that 119 people were injured, 113 of whom have been formally identified.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
According to authorities, the victims and injured include nationals from multiple countries, underscoring the international nature of the resort. Identified nationalities include Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, and Luxembourgish citizens, while several individuals remain unidentified.
Identification Process Remains a Priority
Pierre-Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, said that identifying the deceased remains the “absolute priority” for investigators.
“No mistakes can be permitted. We need to give the correct remains back to the families,” he said, according to the BBC.
As of the latest update, five victims have not yet been formally identified, according to reporting from Sky News and ANSA. Officials have warned that the process may take time due to the severity of the burns suffered by many of the victims.
Investigation Points to Accidental Cause
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said investigators believe the fire may have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were raised too close to the ceiling. From there, flames spread rapidly throughout the bar.
Pilloud confirmed that multiple videos have been reviewed and numerous witnesses interviewed. She emphasized that no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made, adding that authorities currently view the incident as an accident rather than a criminal act.
Stéphane Ganzer, head of security for the Canton of Valais, told French broadcaster RTL Matin that between 80 and 100 of the injured were in critical condition following the blaze.
Survivors Describe Scenes of Terror
Several survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the moments they narrowly escaped.
Seventeen-year-old Laetitia Place told Reuters she was trapped in the crowd as hundreds of people rushed toward narrow exits.
“We all saw really horrible things that no one should ever have to see,” she said.
“People were burning, and some were dead next to us. I was terrified — for myself, for my friends, for everyone inside.”
Another survivor, Samuel Rapp, recalled seeing bodies on the ground as he fled the bar.
“There were people lying on the floor, probably dead,” he said. “Some had jackets over their faces. People were shouting, begging for help.”
Swiss Leaders React to National Tragedy
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “a drama of unknown scale,” expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
In a statement shared on social media, Parmelin wrote that what began as a joyful celebration had transformed into a tragedy felt across Switzerland and beyond.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged patience and restraint while forensic teams work to identify victims and determine the full sequence of events that led to the deadly fire.
