German footballer dies at the age of 34 after falling 70 meters to his death in skiing accident

German footballer Sebastian Hertner, who previously represented his country at youth level, died on Sunday at the age of 34 after a skiing accident.

German media report this ImageHertner was skiing at the Savn Kuk resort in northern Montenegro when he fell about 70 meters.

A product of the VfB Stuttgart Academy, Hertner played most of his 16-year professional career for various clubs in the second and third divisions of German football. Most recently he captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga (fifth tier).

«It is with great sadness that we announce today that our captain, Sebastian Hertner, died in a tragic accident while on holiday. We are stunned and incredibly saddened. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sebastian,» ETSV Hamburg wrote on its social media channels on Tuesday.

Jan-Philipp Rose, the club’s manager, wrote: «You were so much more to me than just my captain. You were a friend, a role model and a person who shaped us all… Your sudden death has shocked us deeply…»

After initially starting as a full-back, he went on to make fourteen appearances for the Germany under-18 side and five times for the under-19 side.

Published on December 24, 2025