Quick Read
- Emanuele Galeppini, 17, named as first victim of Swiss ski resort fire.
- Galeppini was a golf prodigy from Genoa, recently living in Dubai.
- The fire at Crans-Montana killed between 40 and 47 people, mostly young New Year revelers.
The world of golf is mourning the loss of one of its brightest young stars, Emanuele Galeppini, after the 17-year-old was named as the first confirmed victim in a devastating fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 1st, 2026, as young people gathered to celebrate the New Year, turning a moment of joy into one of Switzerland’s worst modern disasters.
Originally from Genoa, Italy, Galeppini had relocated with his family to Dubai in recent years, a city where his passion and skill for golf flourished. His talent was evident: Emanuele regularly competed across the Middle East and Europe, and his victory at the 2025 Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open last April marked him as one of the sport’s most promising prospects. He had recently played in prestigious tournaments including the King Hamad Trophy in Bahrain and the UAE Cup in Al Ain, drawing attention from both local and international golf communities.
“The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values. In this moment of great sorrow, our thoughts go to his family and to all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will remain forever in our hearts,” the Federation wrote in a heartfelt statement on social media, as reported by GB News. The depth of the loss was echoed by the golf community in Dubai, where Galeppini’s friends and teammates remembered his dedication, talent, and love for the game. Golf Digest Middle East noted that Crans-Montana, the site of the tragedy, holds special significance in the golfing world as the long-time host of the Omega European Masters on the DP World Tour, amplifying the sense of grief among golfers worldwide.
The fire, which ripped through Le Constellation bar at Crans-Montana, claimed between 40 and 47 lives—most of them young people celebrating the arrival of 2026. Swiss officials said identification of all victims would take time, as families and friends anxiously awaited news. Galeppini’s father, Edoardo, told Italian media that he had searched for his son after learning about the explosion and had not been able to reach him since the previous night. “Around 1.30am we learned of the explosion. We went up there in front of the restaurant but we haven’t found him yet. He hasn’t answered the phone since last night,” he said, highlighting the anguish felt by so many families in the aftermath.
Foreign embassies, including those of Italy and France, worked urgently to determine whether their nationals were among the missing or deceased. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that 16 Italian nationals remained unaccounted for, with as many as 15 others receiving hospital treatment. France’s foreign ministry reported eight missing citizens. The British embassy in Bern stated it had not been approached for assistance and could not confirm whether British nationals were affected, according to The Telegraph.
Those who survived the blaze described a scene of panic and chaos. Footage shared on social media showed crowds dispersing as flames began licking at soundproof material above, quickly spreading across the ceiling in what experts described as a ‘flashover.’ Escape routes became treacherous due to narrow passages and stairs, and many sustained critical injuries. Doctors treated victims aged between 15 and 25 for third-degree burns, with some transferred to specialist units in Lausanne, Zurich, and Geneva.
In the aftermath, Switzerland declared five days of national mourning. Hundreds gathered in silence near the cordoned-off scene, leaving flowers and lighting candles at a makeshift memorial, some weeping and embracing as they struggled to process the enormity of the loss. For the global golf community, the news was especially poignant: Galeppini’s journey had just begun, and his story was one of promise, dedication, and hope.
As tributes pour in from around the world, the legacy of Emanuele Galeppini is being shaped not only by his achievements on the course, but by the way he inspired those around him. The sudden end of his journey is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the bonds that connect communities across borders and cultures.
Galeppini’s passing is felt deeply, not only within golf circles but among all who see in his story the intersection of youth, ambition, and tragedy. His legacy is a call to cherish our passions and those we hold dear, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.