Sebastian Hertner, a former German footballer, tragically died in a ski lift accident in Montenegro while on holiday. Hertner, 34, had a successful career in Germany’s lower leagues, playing for TSV 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue, and SV Darmstadt 98. He later became captain of ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth tier.
As a youth player, Hertner represented Germany at under-18 and under-19 levels. He played with future 2014 World Cup winner Christoph Kramer and spent seven years at VfB Stuttgart’s academy. Hertner also made 65 appearances for Stuttgart’s reserve team in the third division.
Football world mourns loss
ETSV Hamburg posted a heartfelt tribute to Hertner on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we announce today that our captain, Sebastian Hertner, has died in a tragic accident while on holiday. We are stunned and incredibly sad. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.”
VfB Stuttgart also shared their condolences, remembering Hertner as a dedicated player who wore their jersey with pride during his youth years.
The tragic accident took place at the Savin Kuk ski resort near Žabljak, Montenegro. Hertner and his wife were on a chairlift when the lift detached from its cable, sending Hertner plummeting about 70 meters to his death. His wife, 30, witnessed the horrifying incident. She was left trapped on the dangling lift with a broken leg for several hours before rescuers could bring her down. She later received treatment in the hospital.
The ski lift malfunction also left three other tourists stranded. Emergency crews worked to rescue them after several hours. Montenegrin authorities have suspended the chairlift and launched an investigation into the cause of the failure.
Hertner’s tragic death leaves his wife without her husband and his family grieving their son. The football community also mourns the loss of a beloved player who made a significant impact at his clubs.
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