Ammon News - Former German international footballer Sebastian Hertner has died after plunging from a chairlift at a ski resort. His wife witnessed the accident in Montenegro as Hertner fell 70 metres to the ground.

Hertner, 34, died at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the mountain town of Zabljak. A double chairlift 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, while his 30-year-old wife was trapped in the chair. She had to be rescued by emergency services and suffered a broken leg.

At least three other tourists are claimed to have been left stranded in their chairs for several hours. Rescue teams were able to bring those people down safely.

The former defender played professionally in Germany, representing clubs including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt in the second division. Hertner captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany's fifth tier.

A club tribute read: “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's first club said: "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."


The Mirror