Talented golfer Emanuele Galeppini dies aged 17 in tragic Swiss New Year’s Eve fire

The global golf community is mourning the devastating loss of one of its brightest young talents following the death of Dubai-based amateur golfer Emanuele Galeppini in a tragic fire at a Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve.

Galeppini, just 17 years old, was among those killed when a blaze tore through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations in the early hours of 1 January 2026. 

Originally from Genoa, Italy, Galeppini had been living in Dubai with his family and was widely regarded as a rising star in the amateur game, admired not only for his talent but for his passion and values.

The Italian Golf Federation confirmed the heartbreaking news, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world, including from Ryder Cup hero and fellow Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood.

“The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him,” the federation said in a statement.

“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.”

Fleetwood posted on social media: “Our thoughts are with the Galeppini family and all the families affected by the Crans-Montana tragedy in Switzerland. Such a huge loss. Rest in peace, Emanuele.”

Galeppini’s potential was clear to all who followed his journey. 

A dedicated and driven young golfer, he had already begun to make his mark on the amateur scene and was seen as a player with a bright future ahead of him. 

Two years ago, he proudly shared a photo alongside Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke, captioning it simply: “Pic of the year.” 

It was a snapshot of a teenager living his dream, surrounded by figures he aspired to one day emulate.

Galeppini reached 2,440th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Those who knew Galeppini speak of a young man who loved the game deeply and carried himself with maturity beyond his years. 

His sudden passing has left teammates, coaches, friends and fellow players struggling to comprehend the loss of someone whose life and career felt as though they were only just beginning.

The tragedy has resonated strongly within professional golf circles given Crans-Montana’s long-standing place on the DP World Tour calendar as host of the Omega European Masters. 

In a statement shared on social media, the DP World Tour said: “The thoughts of everyone at the DP World Tour are with our many friends in Crans Montana right now. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The fire at the popular ski resort bar has been described by Swiss President Guy Parmelin as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”. 

Swiss police have said around 40 people are believed to have died, with more than 100 others injured, many critically. 

Authorities have warned the death toll could yet rise.

Forensic specialists are continuing the painstaking process of identifying victims using DNA and dental samples, as some bodies were so badly burned. Swiss law prevents officials from releasing an official death toll until all identifications are complete and families have been formally informed.

Crans-Montana mayor Nicolas Feraud said the immediate priority was to “assign names to all the bodies”, while Mathias Reynard, head of government of the canton of Valais, stressed the importance of absolute certainty before communicating with families, given the sensitivity of the situation.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire, which witnesses say spread with terrifying speed after breaking out around 1.30am. Some reports suggest a candle placed in a champagne bottle may have sparked the blaze, with videos circulating online showing flames racing across the ceiling as panic ensued. Police are also investigating whether the venue had exceeded its capacity.

European authorities are still working to establish how many foreign nationals were affected. French and Italian officials have reported citizens missing, while Poland and Austria have confirmed that their nationals were among the injured. Hospitals across Switzerland and neighbouring countries have been assisting with treatment after local facilities were overwhelmed.

Amid the scale of the tragedy, the loss of Emanuele Galeppini has cut particularly deep within the golf world. A young man of immense promise, his journey was cruelly cut short, leaving behind memories of talent, ambition and a love for the game that will not be forgotten.