A former international footballer has died aged 34 after plunging from a chair lift while on a skiing trip with his wife.
German football player Sebastian Hertner fell to his death in front of his partner from a chair lift in Montenegro on Saturday.
The sportsman played professionally in his home country as a defender. He joined different clubs across his career, including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt. Mr Hertner was also the captain of ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany's fifth tier.
He and his wife were on holiday in the Durmitor mountain range, which is in the north of the country, when the fatal accident occurred.
Der VfB trauert um seinen ehemaligen Nachwuchsspieler Sebastian Hertner, der im Alter von 34 Jahren bei einem tragischen Unglück ums Leben gekommen ist.
— VfB Nachwuchs (@jungundwild) December 23, 2025
Sieben Jahre lang trug Sebastian Hertner das Trikot mit dem roten Brustring und bestritt 65 Spiele für den VfB II in der 3.… pic.twitter.com/L7WGIvg07d
A double chairlift at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the town Žabljak disconnected from its cable and crashed with the seats behind it, initial reports said. Mr Hertner fell from the chair and died at the scene.
His 30-year-old wife, who was riding with him, was trapped in the chair. She broke her leg and was taken to safety by emergency crews.
At least three other skiers were trapped in their chairs for several hours before they were rescued.
ESTV said in a statement 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. Rest in peace, Sebastian.”
The Mirror reported that VfB Stuttgart said in a statement: “VfB Stuttgart mourns the loss of its former youth player Sebastian Hertner, who died in a tragic accident at the age of 34.
“Sebastian Hertner wore the jersey with the red chest band for seven years and played 65 games for VfB II in the 3. Liga. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.”
An official cause has not been determined yet. On Saturday, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of the chairlift.
An investigation into who is responsible for the technical fault has been launched by prosecutors.
