A Town Holds Its Breath – The Farewell of Arthur Brodard
The entire town came to a halt. The church bells tolled slowly and heavily, as if trying to give meaning to every chime. There was an eerie silence in the streets: no car horns, no children laughing, no conversations. Only footsteps, countless footsteps, all heading in the same direction.
On January 8, 2026, thousands gathered in the small town of Vaud to say goodbye to Arthur Brodard, a 16-year-old boy who was much more than just a neighbor or a talented footballer to many. In many ways, he represented a promise: the promise of a good and fulfilling life that ended suddenly and violently.
On the eve of New Year’s 2025/2026, a devastating fire broke out at a popular bar in the Vaud region. What began as a wild New Year’s celebration quickly turned into a nightmare of smoke, screams, and deadly panic in mere minutes. Arthur was one of the seven young people who lost their lives that night. Since then, his name has become synonymous with a tragedy that has shaken all of Switzerland, far beyond the affected families.
The Voice That Touched a Nation
The most moving moment of the memorial service didn’t come from a prepared speech, nor from a priest or a politician. It came from Arthur’s mother.
In the middle of the ceremony, as the silence became almost unbearable, her voice suddenly broke:
“If there’s another life, be my child again.”
She didn’t scream it. Nor did she say it calmly. It was somewhere in between — a raw, desperate sound, deeply human, born of pain and at the same time of unimaginable love.
Many people who were present later said that this single phrase felt like a physical blow. Some clung to each other, others sobbed loudly, while some stood frozen, unable to comprehend the extent of such suffering.
This phrase quickly spread across social media, in WhatsApp groups, local newspapers, and eventually to the major Swiss media. It became a collective groan for the entire nation.
Who Was Arthur Really?
For those who knew him, Arthur was far more than “the victim of a tragedy.”
He had been playing football since he was seven and had been part of a Challenge League junior team for two years. Coaches described him as disciplined, smart in play, and, above all, someone who inspired others. “He had a special way of making his teammates better without putting them down,” his longtime coach later said in an interview.
Off the field, he was a typical 16-year-old: he loved video games (especially FIFA and Valorant), had a weakness for spicy chicken wings, sent memes to his best friends every day, and teased his little sister whenever he could.
His last Instagram story, posted at 11:14 PM on December 31, simply showed a selfie with two friends, three plastic champagne glasses, and the caption: “Best night of my life. #2026.”
The Last Message
A few minutes before everything spiraled out of control, Arthur sent a voice message to his mother. It lasted 17 seconds.
The family has yet to release the full content, but some phrases have been spoken by relatives and later confirmed by the mother in a private conversation:
“Mum, there are really a lot of people here… but the vibe is amazing. I love you. Talk later, okay?”
Shortly after, the fire broke out.
Investigations and Serious Allegations
At the beginning of January, the Vaud Public Prosecutor’s office released the first interim results, which shocked many people.
According to the current state of the investigation, there are significant doubts regarding several safety issues:
– The bar lacked enough functional emergency exits (at least two of the three doors listed as emergency exits were blocked or obstructed by furniture)
– There had been no verifiable fire safety training for the staff in over three years
– The maximum occupancy was greatly exceeded that night (estimates range from 180 to 220 people for an official capacity of 140)
– Some of the existing smoke detectors were nonfunctional
– There was no officially approved fire protection regulation in place
The public prosecutor is currently investigating several cases of negligent homicide, as well as multiple violations of labor and building laws. A request for provisional detention has been filed against the bar operator, two responsible managers, and a security guard.
A Nation Asks Questions
The tragedy has sparked a wide-ranging social debate in Switzerland on topics such as:
– Venue inspections for events
– Security training and testing for staff
– Sanctions for fire safety violations
– The responsibility of cantons and municipalities in overseeing safety
Several cantons have already announced they will carry out a systematic review of all bars, clubs, and event venues with a capacity over 100 people by the end of spring 2026.
A Smile That Lasts
Despite all the investigations, allegations, and political discussions, those closest to Arthur are mainly focused on preserving one thing: the memory of the living boy, not just the victim.
During the funeral procession, almost all the young players from the football club wore the number 17 jersey — Arthur’s number. Many had small 17s painted on their cheeks. Along with flowers, there were countless footballs, team photos, handwritten letters, and even a few game controllers placed on the coffin.
A former teammate wrote on a large banner:
“You were always the loudest on the field and the first to hug everyone after the game. We will never forget that.”
And perhaps that’s the most bitter, yet comforting truth: Even though Arthur Brodard had to leave far too soon, the way he was loved and how deeply he continues to be loved will not die with him.
His mother’s words continue to echo in the air, above the town, above the countryside:
“If there’s another life, be my child again.”
