"Stefi, my brother...": Friends of Serbian who died rescuing people from Swiss bar inferno bid him farewell

Photo: Private archive

Friends are saying goodbye to 31-year-old Stefan Ivanovic from Serbia, who lost his life in a terrible fire that broke out in a bar in Switzerland on New Year's Eve. Stefan, who worked as a security guard in the bar, died trying to rescue others stranded in the establishment.

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"Stefi, what can I say? There is so much to say... You were one of those people who live without fanfare but occupy a huge place. My brother, friend, colleague, you were all this. There was never any malice in you, you were a golden friend. Your absence will leave a void in our hearts forever. The love you had for us and the love we have for you cannot be described in words. Your departure brings so much pain, but also precious memories of laughter, simple moments that have now become a treasure. You left a hero. We will always safeguard and respect your memory. I could write on and on, but you'd tell me it's too long to read and that, as always, I talk too much. We will miss you, Stefi, or, as I called you, 'my brother'," a message posted by his friend Ruben reads.

Those who knew Stefan are experiencing shock and pain, and are saying that he would have left this world in no other way than as a hero.

"I was lucky to have known Stefan. I will never forget this giant with a child's heart, full of kindness and dedication. I am very sad, but I'm not surprised that you chose others before yourself. I think at that moment you knew that this was your place and that you were exactly where you wanted to be... You saved many lives. As a mother, my heart is filled with sadness for your mom, who, I'm sure, would have preferred you not to be a hero, but come back home... I carry your smile in my heart. Thank you for bringing light to our lives. Rest in peace," another friend of Stefan's wrote in a poignant post. Yet other messages read:

"An angel who left too soon. We will remember him for the hero he always was and remained until the end", "You gave your life to save others, you are an angel who left too soon", "Rest in peace, our brother, you will be in our hearts forever"...

The fire that broke out on New Year's Eve in Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 40 people, injuring more than 100 others. Among them are two Serbian citizens. Stefan was listed as missing for days, and then yesterday the worst possible news arrived - that he was among those who died.

The Swiss media are reporting about Stefan's heroic actions, and that he lost his life rescuing other young people.

The Telegraf.rs newsroom is extending our heartfelt condolences to Stefan's family.

(Telegraf.rs)