Go-karting prodigy, 18, killed in tragic Swiss nightclub hearth as tributes pour in
An 18-year-old go-karting driver was one of the 40 victims killed in a horrific fire on New Year’s Day in Switzerland.
The blaze, believed to have been caused as wait staff waved champagne bottles plugged with sparklers close to the ceiling, spread through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana at 1.30am on January 1.
Swiss police confirmed on Monday that they had identified all 40 of the people who died at the prestigious ski resort, with tragically more than half of the victims aged 18 or under.
It has now been revealed that one of those was Joaquim van Thuyne, a promising young go-karting racer who showed ‘great promise’ in the sport, a statement released by the FIA said.
The heartbreaking tribute put out on Tuesday continued: ‘It is with deep sadness that the FIA has learned of the death of Joaquim van Thuyne, an 18‑year‑old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic fire at Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve.
‘Joaquim’s professionalism, kindness and his passion for the sport made a lasting impression on all who knew him and competing alongside him. We join with the global motorsport community in expressing our deep sorrow at this difficult time.
An 18-year-old go-karting driver was one of the 40 victims killed in a horrific fire on New Year’s Day in Switzerland
The blaze, believed to have been caused as wait staff waved champagned bottles plugged with sparklers close to the ceiling, spread through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana at 1.30am on January 1
‘During the early years of his career competing in Switzerland, Joaquim demonstrated a love for the sport and great promise, including a top-ten finish in the highly contested x30 Challenge Switzerland.
‘Racing with the Swiss Hutless team and also a member of FC Lutry junior football team who he was with on New Year’s Eve, we know how deeply this loss will be felt by so many.
‘The FIA extends its heartfelt condolences to Joaquim’s family, friends and teammates, as well as to all the victims of this devastating tragedy.’
There were a further 119 people injured in the fatal fire, Swiss authorities confirmed, some of whom are still fighting for their lives.
One of those who sadly died was 18-year-old ‘hero’ Benjamin Johnson, a young boxer described as a ‘promising athlete’ who trained with Lausanne Boxing Club.
Benjamin is believed to have died tragically while trying to save his friend from the flames.
Swiss Boxing Federation president Amir Orfia hailed the teenager for making the ultimate sacrifice in a statement released this week.
‘According to witnesses, he lost his life while rescuing his friend, thus allowing her to survive. This act of ultimate altruism perfectly reflects who he was: someone who always helped others,’ it read.
Benjamin Johnson trained with the Lausanne Boxing Club and died saving a friend, according to the Swiss Boxing Federation
Emanuele Galeppini was a talented young golfer who had been rising through the ranks with wins and podium places at junior events across the world
A post by the SBF on social media read: ‘Benjamin left us as a hero, helping his friend. Our thoughts are with his family, relatives and all the victims of this national tragedy’.
Another of the victims is confirmed to be 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, who attended Hertfordshire-based Immanuel College in Hertfordshire as well as the Jewish Free School in north-west London, according to reports.
Italian media also named golfing prodigy Emanuele Galeppini, just 16, as another of those who died in the fire. The Italian Golf Federation paid tribute to the ‘young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values.’
Local police announced on Sunday that they had launched a criminal investigation into the French owners of the club, Jacques Moretti, 49 and his wife Jessica, 40.
The pair were being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm and arson.
