> At a Glance
> – Laetitia Brodard-Sitre confirmed on Jan. 3 that her 16-year-old son Arthur died in the New Year’s Eve blaze at Le Constellation bar
> – 40 people were killed and 119 injured when the Crans-Montana resort venue caught fire
> – Arthur’s last message to his mom: “Happy New Year, Mum, I love you,” sent just after midnight
> – Why it matters: The disaster has prompted a criminal probe into the bar’s safety and two managers
Arthur Brodard, 16, had booked a big table with friends to ring in 2026 and celebrate his upcoming 17th birthday. Instead, his New Year’s Eve outing to Le Constellation ended in tragedy when the Swiss ski-resort bar erupted in flames.
A Mother’s Search
For three agonizing days, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre searched hospitals and gave DNA samples, clinging to hope that Arthur might be among the injured. She told reporters on Friday evening, “I want to know where my child is and be by his side-wherever that may be, be it in the intensive care unit or the morgue.”
By Saturday night, forensic teams had matched Arthur’s DNA, and Laetitia shared the news on Facebook: “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise … we can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light.”
What Sparked the Inferno
Investigators say sparklers placed in wine bottles ignited the ceiling decorations, turning the packed venue into an inferno within minutes. The resulting blaze left:
- 40 dead
- 119 injured
- Severe burns that complicated victim identification
Swiss authorities have since opened a criminal case against two unnamed bar managers on suspicion of:
- Involuntary homicide
- Involuntary bodily harm
- Involuntarily causing the fire
They are also examining whether the building met safety codes.
Timeline of Heartbreak
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 31, 2025 | Arthur texts “Happy New Year, Mum, I love you” just after midnight |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Fire breaks out at Le Constellation; Arthur listed missing |
| Jan. 2 | Laetitia pleads for news; DNA drive begins |
| Jan. 3 | Laetitia confirms Arthur’s death via Facebook video |
| Jan. 4 | All 40 victims formally identified |
Key Takeaways
- Arthur’s death is one of 40 fatalities in Switzerland’s deadliest bar fire in decades
- Identification relied on DNA because of severe burns
- A criminal probe targets two managers and potential safety violations
- The tragedy unfolded minutes after Arthur sent his final loving text
As the resort community reels, Laetitia has asked for privacy, ending her interviews with a simple thank-you to those who offered “compassion and love” during her search.
