By Tim Parsons-
Promising teen golfer Emanuele Galeppini (pictured) has been named as the first victim of Crans-Montana fire .
The talented 17-year-old golfer has been named as the first victim of the Crans-Montana catastrophe. Several media outlets have reported Italian national Emanuele Galeppini was killed after a massive fire tore through a bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort during a New Year’s celebration.
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Emanuele Galeppini was highly regarded as a rising talent in the sport, known for his passion and authentic values. At least 40 people have died and 115 more are injured – the majority of which seriously – following the blaze at Le Constellation bar. The Italian Golf Federation on Friday said it “mourns the loss of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who brought passion and authentic values.”
“During this time of great sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.”
Emanuele Galeppini was a promising young Italian amateur golfer who tragically died in a fire at a Swiss ski resort bar on New Year’s Eve 2025/2026. He was highly regarded as a rising talent in the sport, known for his passion and authentic values.
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Originally from Genoa, Italy, Galeppini moved with his family to Dubai, where he lived for several years. He was a member of the Rapallo Golf and Tennis Club in Italy and the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in the UAE. He was also part of the junior elite squad at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy in Dubai. He played as part of the Italian national team.
He regularly competed in junior and amateur tournaments across the Middle East and Europe. His notable results included.
Galeppini attended the Swiss International School in Dubai and was described on the World Amateur Golf Ranking website as an Italian junior golfer who “loves to golf, compete and eat”. He also described himself as a “full-time chef” on his Instagram page.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the golfing community. The Italian Golf Federation released a statement mourning the loss of “a young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values”. Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, who also lives in Dubai, expressed his sadness, saying, “Such a huge loss. Rest in peace, Emanuele
In 2025, he competed in competitions in UAE, Bahrain, Italy and England, and tasted victory at the 2025 Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open last April.He had also recently featured in the King Hamad Trophy at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and the UAE Cup.
Valais State Councillor Stéphane Ganzer , told reporters that “80 to 100 people are in a state of absolute emergency” out of those 115 injured. “I think a large number of them are in critical condition,” he said. “The situation is evolving.”
Some of the victims have not yet been identified in hospital due to the extent of their injuries. “Of the hundred or so people hospitalized, many are not identified,” added Mr Ganzer.
President of the Valais government, Mathias Reynard also said it was proving difficult to identify victims while hospital staff were continuing to work hard on Friday morning. He added that the death toll has not so far increased beyond 47.
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