Sebastian Hertner Death: Soccer Player Chairlift Accident

The German holidaymaker who died in a chairlift accident in Montenegro last Saturday was former professional footballer Sebastian Hertner. The league manager of his last club ETSV Hamburg, Jasmin Huremovic, confirmed this to the German Press Agency, citing a telephone conversation with the 34-year-old’s father.

Hertner was active for FC Erzgebirge Aue, TSV 1860 Munich and SV Darmstadt 98 in the 2nd Bundesliga, among others. The Leonberg native played primarily in the central defender position. He was trained in the youth department of VfB Stuttgart. Hertner played a total of 19 international matches for the German Football Association’s junior selection teams.

Last summer he moved to ETSV Hamburg in the local league. The club made the player’s death public on its Instagram page.

Some of his former clubs expressed their sadness and condolences in statements. “Just recently, Hertner spent around a week in Darmstadt to gain insights into various areas at the Lilies. Our sincere condolences go out to his relatives and friends. We will honor Sebastian Hertner’s memory. Rest in peace, Basti,” wrote second division team SV Darmstadt 98 on its website.

Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart wrote: “Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones. VfB Stuttgart will honor Sebastian Hertner’s memory.”

Hertner and his wife were using the chairlift at the Savin Kuk ski center near Zabljak in Montenegro’s Durmitor Mountains when the accident occurred. According to media reports, two double chairs in the lift slipped into each other for reasons that are still unclear.

As a result, the 34-year-old German fell 70 meters, the website of the daily newspaper “Pobjeda” reported, citing its own sources. His 30-year-old wife remained trapped in the facility and was rescued with injuries by rescue workers.