The golf world is in mourning following the confirmation of the death of Emanuele Galeppini, a young 17-year-old Italian amateur golfer, in the devastating fire that occurred during New Year’s celebrations at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana. The fire broke out in the early hours at the bar Le Constellation, where the player was celebrating the arrival of 2026 with friends.
According to Swiss authorities, the tragedy has resulted in more than 40 deaths and over a hundred injuries, many of them serious. The Italian Golf Federation confirmed through a statement published on their social media profiles that Galeppini was among the fatalities, although the identification tasks of the deceased will take several weeks.
“The Italian Golf Federation mourns the loss of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values,” the organisation stated. “In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him. Emanuele, you will remain forever in our hearts,” the Federation adds in a statement that includes a photograph of the young golfer.
La Federazione Italiana Golf piange la scomparsa di Emanuele Galeppini, giovane atleta che portava con sé passione e valori autentici. In questo momento di grande dolore, il nostro pensiero va alla sua famiglia e a tutti coloro che gli hanno voluto bene.
Emanuele, rimarrai per… pic.twitter.com/zFPW2Amcoi
— Fed.Italiana Golf (@FederGolf) January 1, 2026
Considered one of the great promises of Italian golf, Galeppini was originally from Genoa and had moved to Dubai to boost his sporting career. He regularly competed in amateur tournaments both in the Middle East and Europe and was highly regarded in international training circuits.
Among his most recent achievements was his victory last April at the Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open 2025, as well as his participation in events such as the King Hamad Trophy in Bahrain or the UAE Cup held in Al Ain. In January 2024, he shared an image on Instagram with Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Dwight Yorke, which he described as “the photo of the year”.
View this post on Instagram
The Swiss president, Guy Parmelin, described the fire as “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced”. “It happened in a place dedicated to life and joy; the contrast is as incredible as it is devastating,” he added. The shock over the loss of Galeppini extends throughout international golf, bidding farewell to an emerging talent whose career was tragically and prematurely cut short.
