Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died after a train struck his car in Austria. He was 48.
The Salzburg State police confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, April 16.
“Upon arrival, emergency responders found that the car’s driver, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was undergoing CPR,” police said.
The statement continued, “Police assisted with resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite further efforts by paramedics and an emergency physician, resuscitation was unsuccessful. The man from Salzburg succumbed to his injuries.”
Manninger’s car was struck near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, roughly 13 miles from Salzburg.
“According to initial investigations, the car was struck and dragged by a train of the Salzburg Local Railway while crossing the tracks,” police said. “The driver was alone in the vehicle. The train driver was unharmed.”
Authorities have not released any additional information, and the investigation into Manninger’s death remains ongoing.
The Austrian Football Association released a statement on Thursday, calling the incident “deeply shocking.”
“With him, football loses a special person,” the organization said. “In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”
Manninger played for Arsenal for five years from 1997 to 2002. He and his teammates won the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998.
“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” the club posted via X. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.”
He also won the Serie A title with Juventus in 2012, as well as 33 wins with the Austrian national team.
In a statement on social media, Juventus called Thursday “an incredibly sad day.”
“He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication and an extraordinary professional seriousness,” the club said.
Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schottel called Manninger “an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch.”
“He set standards and inspired and influenced many young goalkeepers,” Schottel said. “His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
