Former German international footballer Sebastian Hertner has died following a fatal accident at a ski resort in Montenegro, authorities and his club have confirmed.
Hertner, 34, was involved in the incident at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the mountain town of Žabljak when a double chairlift reportedly detached from its cable and struck another seat, causing him to fall from a height. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, who was riding on the same chairlift, was left suspended after the incident and was later rescued by emergency responders. She sustained a leg injury and was taken to hospital for treatment. Several other tourists were also stranded on the lift system for hours before being safely evacuated.
Hertner’s club announced his death in an emotional statement shared on Instagram, describing the incident as a tragic accident that occurred while he was on holiday. The club expressed shock and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.
Hertner enjoyed a professional career in Germany, playing as a defender for clubs including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt in the second tier. He later captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth division.
Following the incident, Montenegrin authorities ordered the immediate shutdown of the chairlift as prosecutors opened an investigation into the cause of the malfunction.