🚨 “MOM, I LOVE YOU” 💔

These were the final, heartbreaking words a 17-year-old golf prodigy sent to his mother… just seconds before flames turned a New Year’s celebration into a deadly inferno at a luxury Swiss ski resort.

She called back immediately.

All she heard was silence.

Emanuele Galeppini, Italy’s rising star living in Dubai, was trapped inside the packed bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana when the fire exploded into chaos. 40 lives lost. Over 100 injured. Families shattered.

Was it fireworks gone wrong? Toxic smoke? Or something far more preventable?

His two friends escaped… but Emanuele never made it out.

The golf world is in mourning. His family is demanding answers.

This story will haunt you. Read the full tragedy that stole a young champion’s future →

A devastating fire that erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at a popular bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana claimed at least 40 lives and injured more than 119 people, including teenagers and young adults celebrating the start of 2026. Among the victims was 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, a promising Italian amateur golfer who was quickly identified as the first publicly named casualty, sending shockwaves through the international golf community.

The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 at Le Constellation, a lively bar known for attracting tourists, locals, and holiday revelers in the Valais canton resort. Swiss authorities described the incident as a tragedy of “terrifying proportions,” with many victims succumbing to smoke inhalation and burns in what became a chaotic escape attempt amid thick smoke and flames spreading rapidly through the venue.

Galeppini, born in Genoa, Italy, but residing in Dubai with his family, had traveled to Crans-Montana for the holidays. He was at the bar with two friends who managed to escape and were later treated for injuries. The young athlete, who would have turned 17 this month, was regarded as one of Italy’s top junior talents. He had competed in international events, including wins and podium finishes in junior tournaments across Europe and the Middle East, and was ranked around 3,400 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

The Italian Golf Federation (FIG) issued a statement confirming his death on January 2, expressing profound sorrow. “The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values,” the organization wrote on social media, accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the teen. “In this time of great sorrow, our thoughts go to his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.”

Tributes poured in from across the golf world. Prominent figures, including former champions, shared condolences online, highlighting Galeppini’s competitive spirit and love for the game. He had been eyeing a future in professional golf, possibly pursuing college opportunities in the United States or Europe.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that sparkling flares or candles placed on champagne bottles may have ignited flammable materials near the ceiling, causing the rapid spread. Authorities have not ruled out other factors, including the building’s insulation or safety measures. One bar owner was reportedly arrested in connection with the probe, amid questions about venue compliance and emergency protocols.

The tragedy unfolded during peak New Year’s celebrations, with the bar packed mostly with people in their teens and 20s. Survivors described terrifying scenes: flames erupting suddenly, visibility dropping to zero from toxic smoke, and desperate attempts to reach exits. Many victims died from cyanide gas exposure or suffocation, a particularly harrowing fate in the darkness and confusion.

Identification of victims has been challenging, with dental records, DNA samples, and personal items used to confirm identities. As of early January, families endured agonizing waits for news, with some traveling to Switzerland to search hospitals and morgues.

Galeppini’s family, devastated by the loss, has sought clarity on the exact circumstances of his death. Reports indicate his body showed no visible burn marks, and personal items like his phone and wallet appeared intact, leading to speculation about smoke inhalation or gas exposure as the primary cause. The family retained a lawyer to request access to autopsy reports and other documents from Swiss authorities. Funerals for Galeppini were held in Genoa on January 8, attended by friends, golf club members, and community members. A wall of white roses and floral tributes surrounded the service, while his younger brother spoke movingly: “Up there, you’ll play golf on the most beautiful courses. I love you forever.”

The incident has drawn comparisons to past nightclub tragedies, raising broader concerns about safety in crowded venues during holidays. Swiss officials mobilized over 150 emergency responders and 13 helicopters for rescue efforts. Blood donation drives and community vigils have since taken place across the Valais region.

Galeppini’s death has left a void in the Italian golf scene. He was seen as a bright future for the sport in Italy, with a natural talent and dedication that earned him respect among coaches and peers. His story has highlighted the fragility of life, even for those on the cusp of greatness.

As investigations continue, questions linger about preventability. Were safety standards met? Could faster response times have saved more lives? Authorities promise a thorough review, but for families like the Galeppinis, no answers will bring back their son.

The golf community worldwide continues to grieve. Emanuele Galeppini was more than a ranking or a trophy—he was a son, brother, and friend whose passion for golf inspired many. His final moments, reportedly captured in a desperate message to his mother expressing love, underscore the human cost of the disaster.

In the shadow of the Alps, a New Year’s celebration turned into one of Switzerland’s worst modern tragedies. As the world reflects, the memory of those lost, including a young golfer with dreams still unfolding, serves as a somber reminder of life’s unpredictability.