Lutry Funeral: 10 Victims of Crans-Montana Tragedy Remembered with "Con Te Partirò"

Lutry, Switzerland, is mourning the loss of Alexis Bollag, a 20-year-old basketball player who became the 41st victim of the New Year’s Day fire at the Constellation in Crans-Montana. Bollag died last Saturday at a hospital in Lausanne after a month of hospitalization following the tragic event.

A Community in Grief

Today, Saturday, February 7th, a funeral was held for Alexis Bollag in Lutry, a village deeply affected by the tragedy. Ten residents of Lutry – players and fans connected to the local football team – perished in the fire. Approximately 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including all members of the Lutry municipal council and the mayor.

A Touching Ceremony

The service began at 2:00 PM in the village church. The song “Con te partirò” (You’ll Be With Me) was played as attendees gathered. Remembrances were shared by Alexis’s parents, Patrick and Tanja – a manager and a director at the International Olympic Committee, respectively – his younger brother Gianni, teammates and close friends. One young person, overcome with emotion, stated, “What happened to you is unjust.”

Did You Know? The village of Lutry lost ten residents in the Crans-Montana fire, making it the community most impacted by the tragedy.

Investigation Continues, Potential for Wider Scope

The investigation into the Constellation fire may expand to include the Canton of Valais, following revelations from Christophe Balet, the former head of security for the municipality of Crans-Montana. Balet admitted to not possessing the required fire safety certification and stated that safety inspections were delayed due to software update issues.

Concerns at Higher Levels

Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, currently in Milan for the Olympics, addressed concerns raised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding the release of Jacques Moretti, one of the owners of the Constellation. Parmelin explained the principle of separation of powers and emphasized that the justice system must now proceed with its work. He also noted the emotional impact of the tragedy on the Italian Prime Minister and reported that the condition of the injured is improving.

Legal expert Laurent Moreillon, a professor of law at the University of Lausanne, suggested that the investigation could extend beyond the municipality, potentially reaching the Canton level. He explained that if responsibility lies with a municipal official, it’s crucial to determine who was responsible for overseeing that official, potentially leading to scrutiny of the Canton’s fire safety services.

Expert Insight: The potential for the investigation to broaden to the Canton level highlights the complexity of assigning responsibility in the wake of a disaster and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.

Ken Jacquemoud, the former head of public safety for Crans-Montana until 2024, is scheduled to be questioned by investigators on Monday. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners of the Constellation, are expected to appear before prosecutors on Wednesday, February 11th, and Thursday, February 12th.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Alexis Bollag?

Alexis Bollag was a 20-year-old basketball player from Lutry, Switzerland, and the 41st victim of the fire at the Constellation in Crans-Montana.

Where did the funeral take place?

The funeral for Alexis Bollag was held in the church in Lutry, Switzerland, on Saturday, February 7th.

What is the status of the investigation?

The investigation into the fire is ongoing and may potentially involve the Canton of Valais, following revelations about safety procedures and certifications.

As the investigation continues, the community of Lutry, and Switzerland as a whole, continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.

Lutry Funeral: 10 Victims of Crans-Montana Tragedy Remembered with “Con Te Partirò”