ST.New Year’s Eve in Flames: The Crans-Montana Fire That Stole Dozens of Lives—and the Young Golfer the World Lost Too Soon

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – The festive celebration of New Year’s Eve turned to unimaginable tragedy when a devastating fire tore through a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.

At least 40 people lost their lives, and more than 110 were injured in what has now been deemed one of the deadliest fires in the region’s history.

Among the victims was 16-year-old Italian international golfer, Emanuele Galeppini, who tragically became the first victim to be identified.

Emanuele, who had been living in Dubai, was a promising young athlete, known for his passion for golf and the values he embodied both on and off the course.
The Italian Golf Federation released a heartfelt statement mourning his loss, paying tribute to the young athlete’s dedication and character.

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

A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy

The fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Eve, sweeping through the bar located in a popular area of Crans-Montana, a resort town known for its picturesque slopes and vibrant nightlife.

Witnesses recalled the panic and chaos that ensued as the flames spread rapidly, trapping many inside.

Firefighters and emergency responders arrived quickly, but the severity of the blaze made rescue operations challenging, and by the time the fire was under control, it was already too late for many.

The authorities have said that around 40 people are confirmed dead, though the process of identifying the victims and determining the exact toll has been slow.
Many of the bodies were found in conditions that made identification difficult, with some being severely burned.

Swiss officials have urged the public to be patient as the identification process continues, cautioning that the number of victims may still rise.

Remembering Emanuele Galeppini

As the investigation into the fire continues, the loss of Emanuele Galeppini has resonated deeply within both the golfing community and his home country of Italy.

Emanuele was a talented young golfer, representing Italy at an international level.

His commitment to his sport and his dedication to improving were evident to those who knew him.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans, many of whom had watched him grow and succeed in his athletic career.

The young athlete was in Crans-Montana to celebrate the New Year, a trip that was meant to bring joy and relaxation.

Instead, it turned into a nightmare, one that no one in the community will soon forget.
The Italian Golf Federation expressed its condolences, acknowledging that Emanuele was not just a skilled golfer, but also a young man of great character who was loved by all who knew him.

The Impact on the Community and the Investigation

The loss of Emanuele and others in the fire has left Crans-Montana in shock.
The resort town, typically known for its skiing and outdoor activities, is now mourning the loss of so many lives.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, but they have yet to determine what exactly sparked the blaze.
Swiss officials have warned that the investigation could take some time, as the complexity of the fire and the damage to the building have made it difficult to find clear answers.

In the aftermath of the fire, many have rallied around the victims’ families, offering support and condolences.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the dangers of large crowds and the importance of fire safety measures in public venues, particularly in areas with limited escape routes.

As the community comes to terms with the loss, the memories of those who perished in the fire, including Emanuele Galeppini, will live on, their lives forever remembered by those who loved them.

A Slow Path to Closure

The difficult task of identifying the victims and confirming the full extent of the damage continues.
Authorities have stated that the process will take time, as many of the bodies were so badly burned that DNA testing and other forensic methods are required for proper identification.

Families of the victims, including Emanuele’s, are anxiously awaiting news, hoping for clarity and closure in the wake of such a senseless and tragic event.

As the days go by, the pain of the loss is palpable, and the full scope of the tragedy continues to unfold.

Emanuele’s family, the golfing community, and the people of Italy are all united in their grief, but also in their determination to remember the life he lived and the joy he brought to those around him.

The fire in Crans-Montana has taken so much, but the memories of those who died, especially Emanuele Galeppini, will endure forever in the hearts of those who knew them.

Atlas Coleman: A Family’s Fight, a Child’s Triumph

Call it a parent’s intuition. Call it knowing that expert care exists at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Whatever the words, for Stacy and Neal Coleman, it was this combination that saved their son’s life. Their journey began with a seemingly ordinary day that quickly turned into a life-altering experience.

Atlas was just 15 months old when he suddenly became inconsolable while eating a grilled burger. Alarmed, his parents rushed him to the emergency room. Initial X-rays revealed nothing unusual, but an abnormality in his lung caught the doctors’ attention. A follow-up CT scan diagnosed congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), a benign cyst in the lung—but one that had the potential to turn malignant if left untreated. Though the lesion was non-cancerous, Stacy and Neal understood that expert care was paramount. They scheduled a consultation at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, seeking a second opinion that would forever change Atlas’ fate.

“After meeting with the surgeon, we immediately knew we wanted to transfer Atlas’ care to the children’s hospital,” Stacy recalls. “They made us feel so comfortable about what was to come.” And comfort was exactly what the Colemans needed, because the road ahead would be challenging.

At 18 months, Atlas slept peacefully in his car seat as his parents drove from their central Iowa home to Iowa City. What awaited them was surgery to remove the lower lobe of Atlas’ left lung—a procedure routine for Stead Family Children’s Hospital surgeons but extraordinary for the Colemans. “We had very good medical advice, but of course, it’s scary,” Stacy says. “I remember crying in the car on the way there.”

Neal adds, “Talking with a surgeon who does this routinely made us feel more comfortable. There was some comfort knowing we were in good hands.”

The operation, expected to take two hours, extended to four. Dr. Erica Carlisle sensed something unusual during surgery and carefully examined the entire chest cavity to ensure nothing was missed. Atlas’ parents waited anxiously, unsure of what the results would reveal. When the biopsy results finally arrived, their worst fears—and a surprising truth—emerged.

“The really rare thing that we thought was unlikely to happen, happened,” Stacy recalls Dr. Carlisle telling them. Atlas’ benign CPAM was not the full story. He had pleuropulmonary blastoma, a fast-growing cancer of the lung tissue, extraordinarily rare and only diagnosed a handful of times each year. Complicating matters, genetic testing revealed that Atlas carried a rare DICER1 mutation, increasing his risk for other cancers in the future.

Though the news was shocking, the timing could not have been more critical. “If we had waited another month, the cancer would have been in a more advanced stage,” Neal notes. Atlas’ team at Stead Family Children’s Hospital immediately collaborated with a partner program to design a custom treatment plan. For six months, Atlas underwent chemotherapy, regular scans, in-patient stays, and additional procedures—all while his parents navigated the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for a child with cancer.

“It can so easily feel overwhelming and insurmountable,” Stacy says, “but a constant source of comfort was the capable team supporting him. They were always patient, responsive, and caring.” Even during the most difficult moments—blood draws and other procedures that terrified Atlas—the staff treated him with patience and kindness. The hospital’s Child Life team helped him cope, turning fear into manageable steps and helping the family navigate the medical world with compassion and understanding.

Through it all, Atlas thrived. Scans showed no detectable cancer during treatment, and today, six years later, he is cancer-free. While his DICER1 mutation means he will need ongoing monitoring, the anxiety and uncertainty of those early years have been tempered by a profound gratitude. “He is alive today because of the knowledge and proactive care provided to him by an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and support staff,” Stacy says. “We are endlessly thankful to be from Iowa and have such close access to this amazing hospital.”

Now eight years old and a third grader, Atlas is a vivacious, curious child who loves drawing, sports, reading, and telling jokes. “He picks up an interest and never puts it down,” Stacy says. Beyond everyday joys, Atlas has embraced the role of survivor. He participates in local cancer walks, proudly wearing his survivor shirt and inspiring other children and families to believe in hope and healing.

For the Colemans, the experience has reinforced the power of intuition, timely action, and specialized care. From a scared toddler in a car seat to a resilient child full of life, Atlas’ story is a testament to the dedication of the medical teams who see more than patients—they see people, families, and futures worth saving.

Atlas Coleman’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the right second opinion can mean the difference between despair and hope, between uncertainty and triumph. Thanks to early detection, expert care, and a family’s unwavering determination, Atlas continues to grow, thrive, and show the world the remarkable strength of a little boy who refused to be defined by cancer.