Authorities have identified the first victim in a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort that has left at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured. The victim was confirmed as 17-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini, a rising athlete whose death has sent shockwaves through the international sports community.
The Italian Golf Federation confirmed Galeppini’s death in a tribute shared on Instagram, writing that the federation “mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him.”
The statement continued, “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 post included a black-and-white photo of Galeppini with the words “Ciao Emanuele,” meaning “Goodbye Emanuele.”
According to Italian news agency Ansa, Galeppini was just 17 years old. The tragedy unfolded during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Le Constellation bar in the popular Swiss ski destination of Crans-Montana. Earlier reports indicated dozens were feared dead after a massive blaze erupted inside the crowded venue.
The Cantonal Police of Valais later confirmed that approximately 40 people died in the fire, which is believed to have triggered an explosion, while at least 115 others were injured. At a press conference on Jan. 2, officials updated the figures, stating that 40 people were killed and 119 were injured.
Of the injured, 113 individuals have been identified, including 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italians, four Serbian, one Bosnian, and one person each from the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Fourteen victims’ nationalities remain unknown.
Identifying the deceased has been a painstaking process. Pierre-Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, emphasized that identification is the “absolute priority.” He added, “No mistakes can be permitted. We need to give the correct remains back to the families,” according to the BBC. Five of the victims have yet to be formally identified, per reports from Sky News and Ansa.
Officials believe the fire began when sparklers placed on champagne bottles were moved too close to the ceiling. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the blaze spread “quickly,” noting that investigators have reviewed videos and interviewed multiple witnesses.
No suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made. A fire service official described the incident as an “accident.”
The scale of the injuries remains alarming. Stéphane Ganzer, head of the Canton of Valais’ security department, told RTL Matin that “between 80 and 100 people” are in “critical condition.” Regional council leader Mathias Reynard added that many victims suffered “severe injuries and severe burns,” warning that the identification process will take time.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the disaster “a drama of unknown scale.” In a message posted on X, he wrote, “What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night… Our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families.”
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of escape. Seventeen-year-old Laetitia Place told Reuters, “We all saw really horrible things that no one should ever have to see.” She described people falling and piling up at a narrow exit, saying, “Some people were burning, and some were dead next to us… I was so scared — scared for myself, scared for my friends.”
Another survivor, Samuel Rapp, recalled fleeing amid “people lying on the ground, probably dead,” adding that he heard cries of “Help me. Please help us.”
As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the remaining victims and supporting the injured—while communities across Europe mourn lives lost, including that of a promising young athlete whose future was tragically cut short.
