A social media post has surfaced showing Emanuele Galeppini, a talented 17-year-old golfer from Genoa, celebrating a memorable moment with renowned sports figure Rory McIlroy in 2024. Tragically, Galeppini lost his life during New Year’s festivities in Switzerland this week due to a fire incident in Crans-Montana that claimed over 40 lives.
The Italian Golf Federation paid tribute to Galeppini, describing him as a young athlete who exemplified passion and genuine values. The Federation extended condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Galeppini’s father, Edoardo, expressed concern after losing contact with his son following the tragic event at the Constellation where the teenager was celebrating the New Year with friends.
Based in Dubai, Galeppini frequently shared his golf achievements on social media, including victories in tournaments. Despite being the first identified victim, many others remain missing following the incident at the Le Constellation bar, where an Under-18s football team from Vaud Canton had a reservation.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which left 115 individuals injured. Among the injured is teenage footballer Tahirys dos Santos, who suffered severe burns and was airlifted to a specialized burns unit for treatment. Dos Santos’ agent reported his client’s challenging recovery, noting improvements in respiratory function despite significant burns.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, reports indicate that sparklers at the venue ignited a chaotic situation, turning a night of celebration into a tragic event. Regional government head, Mathias Renard, lamented the turn of events, expressing that what should have been a joyous occasion became a nightmare.
This unfortunate incident has left a community in mourning, with ongoing efforts to locate missing individuals and support those affected by the tragic fire.