Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy who died trying to save his friend in the Swiss bar fire on New Year’s Eve.
Benjamin Johnson, 18, has been named as one of the 40 people who died in the blaze that broke out at Le Constellation bar on Wednesday evening, with Swiss police now confirming that all victims have been identified.
The 18-year-old was a member of the Lausanne Boxing Club and was hailed as a hero by the Swiss Boxing Federation.
“It is with deep sadness that SwissBoxing learned of the death of Benjamin Johnson (Club Lausannois de Boxing), a victim of the tragedy in Crans-Montana,” the federation said on an Instagram post.
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“Benjamin left us as a hero, helping his friend. Our thoughts are with his family, relatives and all the victims of this national tragedy.”
Swiss Boxing president Amir Orfia also paid tribute, adding: “This ultimate act of selflessness perfectly reflects who he was: someone who always helped others. Benjamin was a promising athlete and a radiant personality.
“Having watched him grow up, first as a boxer and then as his coach, I remember him as a young man who was always positive, smiling and respectful. He was always the first to support his teammates.”
Police now say they have identified all 40 victims of the tragedy, including some as young as 14 and 15.
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Such sorrow and grief for the families and those who have been traumatically scarred for life. May the Lord strengthen them during this time. The bar manager said he followed ALL safety regulations…and yet agreed for roman candles to be alight in champagne bottles.
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Tributes have been paid to Benjamin Johnson, the teenage boxer who died trying to save his friend in the Swiss bar fire on New Year’s Eve
Of those who died, 26 were aged 14 to 18, while the oldest victim was a 39-year-old French man.
Another athlete, 16-year-old Italian international golfer Emanuele Galeppini, was among the first to be identified.
The Italian Golf Federation said in a statement it “mourns the passing of a young athlete who carried with him passion and genuine values”.
A 15-year-old British schoolgirl was also identified as a victim in the deadly fire that ripped through the crowded basement of the bar within minutes.
