A tourist who died in a chairlift accident at a ski resort in Montenegro has been identified as German footballer Sebastian Hertner.
The 34-year-old lost his life at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the town of Žabljak after a double chairlift reportedly detached from its cable and crashed into the seat behind it. The incident occurred on Saturday while Hertner and his wife were on holiday in the Durmitor mountain range, a popular winter tourism destination in northern Montenegro.
Hertner fell from the chairlift during the accident and was confirmed dead at the scene. His wife, aged 30, remained trapped in the chair and was later rescued by emergency services. She sustained a broken leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The malfunction left several other tourists stranded mid-air, with at least three people stuck in their chairs for several hours before rescue teams safely brought them down.
Hertner was a former professional defender who played in Germany’s second division for clubs including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt. He later captained ETSV Hamburg, competing in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth-tier league.
ETSV Hamburg confirmed his death in a statement shared 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.”
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from teammates, former colleagues and members of the football community, mourning the sudden loss of the former defender.
