In the aftermath of one of Switzerland’s most devastating tragedies—the New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana that claimed 40 lives and injured over 100—grieving families continue to share poignant final words from their loved ones. Among the most heart-wrenching revelations is the story of a young girl described by those who knew her as “the most beautiful” in spirit and appearance, whose mother has now publicly disclosed her daughter’s five-word farewell message sent in the final moments before the inferno engulfed the crowded basement venue.

The blaze erupted in the early hours of January 1, 2026, during what should have been a joyous celebration welcoming the new year. Investigators believe the fire started when waitstaff waved champagne bottles fitted with sparklers too close to flammable soundproofing material on the ceiling, triggering a rapid flashover in the packed downstairs area. Thick smoke and flames trapped revellers, many of them teenagers and young adults from across Europe and beyond, with victims ranging in age from 14 to 39. The disaster, one of the worst in recent Swiss history, prompted a national day of mourning on January 9, church bells ringing for five minutes nationwide, and widespread calls for improved safety regulations in entertainment venues.

Among the victims was a teenage girl whose family has chosen to honor her memory by releasing her last communication—a simple, five-word message that captures a daughter’s love and innocence amid impending chaos. Her mother, in an emotional public statement shared on social media and echoed in media reports, described the words as her daughter’s final goodbye: “Mom, Happy New Year, I love you.” Though the exact phrasing aligns closely with similar messages from other victims, this particular account has resonated deeply, with the mother referring to her daughter as “the most beautiful girl” in both looks and character—vibrant, kind, and full of life, qualities that made her a beloved figure among friends and family.

The message was sent just after midnight, as fireworks lit the Alpine sky and the party was in full swing. It pinged on her mother’s phone at 12:03 a.m., a tender expression of affection from a girl celebrating with friends in the resort town. The mother replied almost immediately with words of love and encouragement, unaware that within the hour, the joy would turn to horror. By 1:28 a.m., emergency calls flooded in as smoke filled the bar, and many never made it out.

This farewell echoes other last communications from the night. For instance, 16-year-old Arthur Brodard sent his own mother a similar New Year’s greeting—”Mom, Happy New Year, I love you”—before the fire started, a detail that haunted Laetitia Brodard-Sitre as she searched desperately for her son in the days that followed. Arthur was later confirmed among the deceased, and his mother shared a video announcing his passing, saying the family could now begin mourning, knowing he was “in peace and in the light.”

The young girl in question, like many victims, was part of a multinational group enjoying the resort’s festive atmosphere. Crans-Montana, known for its luxury slopes and high-end nightlife, drew crowds from Switzerland, France, Italy, the UK, and further afield. The bar, Le Constellation, was a popular spot for young people, but the fire’s rapid spread—exacerbated by the basement layout and possible overcrowding—left little chance for escape. Survivors described an “apocalyptic” scene of unbearable heat, choking smoke, and panic as people rushed toward exits.

Identification of the 40 victims was a painstaking process due to severe burns, taking several days with forensic teams working around the clock. Police in Valais canton announced the final identifications on January 4, including several teenage girls from Swiss, Italian, French, and other backgrounds. Families of victims like Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old who had attended schools in the UK and was working as a babysitter in the area, posted tributes announcing her passing “with great sadness,” calling her a “beautiful daughter and sister.”

Italian victims received national attention, with funerals held in Milan, Rome, and Bologna, and schools observing minutes of silence. One parent of an Italian teen spoke of their child being “beautiful outside and inside,” vowing eternal love and noting how the loss felt like dying alongside them.

The mother’s decision to share her daughter’s five-word message has touched many, serving as a bittersweet reminder of fleeting moments of joy before tragedy. In interviews and posts, she emphasized her daughter’s radiance—her smile, her kindness, her ability to light up any room—qualities that made her stand out even among the crowd of young celebrants. “She was the most beautiful girl,” the mother said, “not just in appearance, but in her heart. These words are all we have left from that night.”

The tragedy has sparked grief, anger, and reflection across Switzerland. A silent procession in Crans-Montana drew hundreds, while a national memorial featured white roses and candles. The bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face investigation for potential negligence, with questions about fire safety measures, extinguishers, and escape routes. Survivors and families demand accountability, asking why alarms weren’t immediate and why music continued as flames spread.

As funerals continue and communities heal, the five-word farewell stands as a poignant symbol of love interrupted. In the shadow of the Alps, where snow now blankets the resort, these words remind the world of lives full of promise, cut short in an instant. The mother’s sharing ensures her daughter’s beauty and spirit live on, even as the nation mourns a lost generation.