Teen Golfer Named as First Victim of Deadly Ski Resort Fire That Killed 40 and Injured 115

The first victim identified in the devastating New Year’s Eve bar fire at Switzerland’s luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana is a 17-year-old Italian golfer whose death has sent shockwaves through the sports world.

Italian teen Emanuele Galeppini was named by the Italian Golf Federation, which confirmed his death in a heartbreaking Instagram post. The organization said it “mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him,” adding that he would “forever remain in our hearts.”

The tribute included a black-and-white photo of Galeppini with the words “Ciao Emanuele,” or “Goodbye Emanuele,” written across it. Italian news agency Ansa reported that Galeppini was just 17 years old.

Authorities say Galeppini is among at least 40 people killed when a massive fire tore through the packed Le Constellation bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The blaze erupted shortly after midnight, triggering scenes of chaos as hundreds of people tried to escape the basement venue.

Police in the Canton of Valais later confirmed that at least 40 people died and nearly 120 were injured. Of the injured, 113 have been identified, including dozens of Swiss nationals, along with visitors from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. The nationalities of 14 victims are still unknown.

Pierre-Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, said identifying the victims remains the top priority. “No mistakes can be permitted,” he said. “We need to give the correct remains back to the families.” Authorities have confirmed that several of the deceased have yet to be formally identified.

Officials believe the fire may have started after sparklers placed on champagne bottles were brought too close to the ceiling, allowing flames to spread rapidly. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the blaze spread “very quickly,” adding that videos have been reviewed and multiple witnesses interviewed. No arrests have been made, and investigators currently believe the fire was an accident.

Survivors have described terrifying scenes inside the bar. Seventeen-year-old Laetitia Place told Reuters she narrowly escaped as crowds surged toward narrow exits. “We all fell, piled on top of each other,” she said, recalling people burning and others already dead nearby. Another survivor, Samuel Rapp, said he saw bodies on the floor as people desperately tried to flee.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the catastrophe “a drama of unknown scale,” saying a moment of joy had turned into a national tragedy. He added that the country was united in grief for the victims and their families.

Investigators continue working to identify the remaining victims and determine exactly how the blaze unfolded.