‘Promising’ golfer, 17, named as first victim of Swiss nightclub fire | News World

A ‘promising’ golfer has been identified as one of the victims of the New Year’s Eve fire in Switzerland, which killed at least 47 people.

Emanuele Galeppini is the first fatality, whose name has been made public after a tribute was released by the Italian Golf Federation last night.

The 17-year-old, who was based in Dubai, is said to be ‘widely regarded as a promising young talent.’

A statement from the Italian Golf Federation said: ‘We mourn the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him.

‘At this time of great sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.’

The teenager had been out partying at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, when the inferno ripped through the basement, forcing people to run for their lives just an hour after welcoming 2026.

His father, Edoardo, had been out at the venue looking for him following reports of the fire, as his family launched an appeal to find him.

‘Around 1.30am we learned of the explosion,’ the appeal said, as reported by Italian media.

‘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.’

Galeppini’s relatives had not heard from him since midnight, when his father reportedly spoke to him on the phone to wish him a happy birthday, according to reports. 

The World Amateur Golf Ranking website also described the teenager as an ‘Italian junior golfer living in Dubai, loves to golf, compete and eat,’ and his own Instagram page described him as a chef.

Just this October, the Faldo Series children’s golf championship said it was ‘thrilled’ to welcome Galeppini as one of four rising stars.

Another 12 Italians are still missing, according to a list released by the country’s foreign ministry yesterday.

Many young people are believed to be among the dead, but authorities are struggling to identify their bodies due to the severity of burns.

Stephane Ganzer, head of safety for the canton of Valais, where the ski resort is located, told RTL that the number of people killed could increase.

She said: ‘There are around 100 injured in critical condition. The death toll is terrible and it could get worse.’

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