A rising teenage golf star has been confirmed as the first victim identified from a devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort that killed 40 people and left more than 100 injured.
A Young Talent Lost
The Italian Golf Federation has announced the death of 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, expressing profound sorrow for the loss of a young athlete who represented passion and genuine values. The federation stated it "mourns" his passing and that their thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time of immense grief.
"Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts," the organisation said in a heartfelt tribute.
Reports indicate Galeppini, originally from Genoa, had been living in Dubai in recent years to further his development as a competitive golfer. He was celebrating New Year's Eve at the Le Constellation bar in the upscale resort of Crans-Montana when the tragedy struck.
A Father's Desperate Search
In the chaotic aftermath of the blaze, Galeppini's father had made a public appeal for information about his son. He confirmed the teenager had been at the popular bar for the celebrations and that he had been unable to contact him following the fire.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the international community and the sporting world, highlighting the tragic and random nature of the disaster.
Investigation and Recovery Underway
Swiss authorities have now begun the grim task of identifying the victims. The fire, which engulfed the crowded bar, has left a significant number of bodies badly burned, complicating identification efforts.
Officials have warned that it could take several days before all the victims from the fire are formally named. The scale of the injury toll is also severe, with well over 100 people hurt, many of them seriously.
The community of Crans-Montana and families from across Europe are now left to grapple with the aftermath of one of the resort's worst peacetime disasters.
