When a massive fire broke out at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, Benjamin Johnson tried to save his friend.
His final act, one of heroism, is how Johnson is being remembered. The teenager, an amateur boxer from Switzerland, was among the 40 who died in the tragedy on New Year’s Day. More than 100 people were also injured.
Johnson was born in 2008, according to The New York Times. He was a member of the Lausanne Club of Boxing, according to Amir Orfia, the president of Swiss Boxing.
“Benjamin was a promising athlete and a bright, cheerful person,” Orfia wrote in a statement, translated via Google. “Having watched him grow up, first when I was in the ring and then as a coach, I remember him as a young man who was always positive, smiling, and respectful. He was the first to support his teammates, especially his friends Marwan Maslard, Burim Robaj, and many others.
“According to witnesses, he lost his life while trying to save his friend, thus allowing her to survive. This ultimate act of selflessness perfectly reflects who he was: someone who always helped others.
“In these painful moments, SwissBoxing extends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and his club. Our thoughts are also with all the families affected by this national tragedy, as well as with all the victims. If other members of our community are identified among those affected, we will stand by them. We call upon the entire boxing community to unite in honoring the memory of this exemplary young man.”
David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2. David’s book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.
