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Former Arsenal player and Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger tragically died on Thursday after the vehicle he was driving was hit by a train at a level crossing in Salzburg, police said. He was 48 years old.
Manninger was not immediately identified by law enforcement, but a number of his former staff released statements on social media confirming the news of his tragic death.
Goalkeeper Alexander Manninger reacts during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and 1899 Hoffenheim at the SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, February 1, 2015. (Alexandre Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger,” read the team’s statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
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Police told The Associated Press that Manninger was involved in a “fatal traffic accident involving a local train and a car” at a railroad crossing early Thursday morning.
“Upon arrival, rescuers found that the driver of the car, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The police assisted in resuscitation efforts, including using a defibrillator. Despite additional efforts by paramedics and an emergency doctor, resuscitation was unsuccessful. Salzburg man succumbed to his injuries.”
Augsburg’s goalkeeper Alexander Manninger celebrates with his fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at the SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, May 14, 2016. (Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Details of what led to the fatal crash were not immediately known, but police said the car was struck and dragged by a train. No other injuries were reported.
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The death of the former English Premier League pro sent shockwaves throughout the football community.
“We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a road accident,” FC Red Bull Salzburg wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48,” Liverpool added in another post on X. “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger watches the action during their Europa League Group A match against Manchester City in Manchester, England on September 30, 2010. (Scott Hepell/AP)
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“Today is a terribly sad day. He left us not only as a great athlete, but also as a man of rare values: humility, dedication and extraordinary professional seriousness,” Juventus said in a translated statement. “Juventus expresses its condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this time of grief.”
Manninger won the Premier League and the 1998 FA Cup with Arsenal and also won Serie A with Juventus. He made 33 appearances for Austria.
