Former German international footballer Sebastian Hertner has d!ed after plunging from a chairlift at a ski resort in Montenegro.
Hertner, 34, d!ed at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the mountain town of Žabljak after a double chairlift became detached from its cable and collided with the seat behind it, according to initial reports.
Hertner fell from the lift and died at the scene. His 30-year-old wife, who was riding with him, was left trapped in the chair and had to be rescued by emergency services.
She suffered a broken leg and was taken for medical treatment.
At least three other tourists were also left stranded in their chairs for several hours before rescue teams were able to bring them down safely.
His club confirmed his death in a statement posted on Instagram, saying their captain had d!ed in a tragic accident while on vacation and expressing deep sorrow at the loss.
It said: ‘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. Rest in peace, Sebastian.’
Hertner was a former defender who played professionally in Germany, featuring for clubs including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt in the second division.
He later captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth tier.
Montenegrin authorities ordered the immediate closure of the chairlift following the incident as prosecutors launched an investigation.
