The tragic loss of Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian golf prodigy, has left the golf community, his family, and people worldwide in profound grief. On New Year’s Eve 2025, turning into January 1, 2026, a devastating fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming at least 40 lives and injuring over 110 people, many with severe burns. Among the victims was Emanuele, whose promising future was extinguished in the chaos of the early morning blaze.
Here are poignant images capturing Emanuele Galeppini in his element as a young golfer:
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These photos show the bright, talented teenager who had already achieved notable success on the junior and amateur circuits.
A Rising Star in Golf
Originally from Genoa, Italy, Emanuele had relocated to Dubai with his family in recent years to pursue his golfing ambitions more intensively. He was widely regarded as one of Italy’s most promising young talents, competing internationally across Europe and the Middle East. His achievements included a victory at the Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open in 2025, along with strong performances in events like the FJT Middle East Championship and the Abu Dhabi Golf Club Open. He held a plus-2 handicap as a young teen and reached a World Amateur Golf Ranking of around 2,440th — impressive for someone still in the under-18 categories.
Emanuele dreamed of playing college golf in the United States as part of the Class of 2027 recruits, with aspirations that could have led him to professional tours. The Italian Golf Federation (FIG) described him as “a young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values,” adding in their tribute: “Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.” Prominent golfers, including Nick Faldo and Tommy Fleetwood, also paid respects, highlighting the immense loss to the sport.
The Night of the Tragedy
The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. on January 1 at Le Constellation, a popular lounge bar packed with New Year’s revelers. Reports suggest the blaze may have started when staff waved champagne bottles fitted with sparklers too close to flammable materials near the ceiling, allowing flames to spread rapidly through the crowded venue. Panic ensued as people struggled to escape, with some victims suffering from smoke inhalation, burns, or being trampled in the chaos.
Emanuele was among the first victims identified, announced by the FIG on January 2, 2026. He was initially listed as missing, prompting desperate searches by his father, who appealed for help outside the bar. His body was later repatriated to Italy via a state flight, arriving in Milan before being taken to Genoa.
The scale of the disaster shocked Switzerland and beyond: 40 confirmed deaths (including 21 Swiss nationals, several French, Italians, and others from various countries), 116 injured (many with life-altering burns), and a national day of mourning declared for January 9.
These haunting images from the scene of the Le Constellation bar illustrate the aftermath of the fire:
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They depict the sealed-off site and the somber atmosphere in the days following the tragedy.
Heartbreaking Final Words and Lingering Questions
Amid the grief, reports have circulated about Emanuele’s final moments. According to some accounts circulating on social media and in Italian media, the young golfer managed to send a last message to his mother in the seconds before the inferno overwhelmed him: “Mom… I’m not going to make it. Take care of yourself.” (Variations in reports include phrases like “Mom, I love you” or similar desperate farewells.) His mother reportedly called back immediately, but the line went silent. This poignant detail, while heartbreaking, has amplified the emotional impact of his story, resonating far beyond the Alps and reminding everyone of the human cost in seconds of unimaginable terror.
A particular mystery surrounds Emanuele’s death: his body was returned outwardly unharmed, showing no visible burn injuries, burns on his clothing, or damage to personal items like his phone or wallet. This led his family to question the exact cause, suspecting smoke inhalation or toxic fumes as the likely factor, rather than direct flames. The family requested an autopsy from Swiss authorities but received no response, prompting them to pursue further examinations in Italy.
As of January 11, 2026, arrangements are in place: an autopsy on Emanuele’s body is scheduled in Genoa, starting with an assignment and CT scan on January 19, followed by the full examination on January 20. This is being conducted under the oversight of the Rome Prosecutor’s Office, which has opened an investigation into multiple manslaughter and negligent arson related to the Italian victims. The Swiss probe continues, with a special team of prosecutors examining potential fire safety violations, overcrowding, and the bar’s management.
A Legacy Cut Short
Emanuele Galeppini’s story is one of immense potential stolen too soon. From the fairways of Dubai to the tragic night in the Swiss Alps, his journey embodied youthful passion, dedication, and dreams of greatness. Tributes from golf organizations, fellow players, and fans worldwide underscore the void left behind.
In the wake of this disaster, questions about venue safety, emergency exits, and responsibility linger, as investigations seek answers for all 40 families. For Emanuele’s loved ones, the pain is compounded by unanswered details — but his memory as a talented, kind-hearted young man endures.
