A pall of deep sorrow and shock descended upon the German sporting world following the official announcement of the death of professional footballer Sebastian Hertner, 34, in a tragic accident while on holiday in Montenegro. The accident, which claimed the life of the former German youth international, occurred when the cable car he was riding plummeted from a great height, turning his leisure trip into a tragedy that dominated European headlines.
Details of the tragic incident at the Seven Cook resort
According to reports and confirmations from the widely circulated German newspaper Bild, Hertner, who currently plays for a Hamburg-based club competing in the fifth division, was vacationing at the popular Sven Kuk resort in northern Montenegro. In a terrifying moment, the cable car he was riding suffered a sudden and serious malfunction, causing it to completely detach from the cable.
Initial investigations indicate that the vehicle plummeted from a height of approximately 70 meters, crashing onto the rocky ground. According to sources, the player landed directly on the side that struck the ground, resulting in his immediate death from fatal injuries. His death has left his teammates and family in deep shock.
The wife was injured and an extensive investigation was launched
The tragedy was not limited to the death of Hertner; his wife, who was traveling with him, also perished. Medical and security reports indicate that she sustained critical injuries, being trapped under the wreckage of the vehicle after it fell. She suffered a compound fracture of her leg and various contusions, and was rushed by rescue crews to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.
The incident also resulted in injuries of varying severity to three other tourists who were at the site. In response, Montenegrin authorities immediately launched a formal and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident and establish responsibility, particularly regarding safety standards and the regular maintenance of tourist facilities. As a precautionary measure, the authorities ordered the temporary closure of the ski resort and its surrounding area until the technical experts complete their investigation.
A remarkable sporting career and a sad end
Sebastian Hertner is a familiar face in German football, boasting a respectable professional career that saw him play for several clubs. Although he never played in the Bundesliga, he was a key player in the German second division, making 95 official appearances for established clubs striving for promotion and competitiveness.
Furthermore, the deceased had the honor of representing his country internationally, wearing the German national team jersey at the youth levels, reflecting the talent he possessed from a young age. Hertner's tragic passing underscores once again the importance of safety measures in mountain sports and tourism activities, and leaves a profound void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues, who mourned him with heartfelt tributes on social media.
