German Footballer Sebastian Hertner Dies After Falling From Ski Lift In Montenegro

The tourist who lost his life in a chairlift accident at a ski resort in Montenegro has been identified as German footballer Sebastian Hertner.

Hertner, 34, died at the Savin Kuk ski resort near the mountain town of Žabljak after a double chairlift reportedly detached from its cable and struck the seat behind it. The incident occurred on Saturday while he and his wife were on holiday in the Durmitor mountain range, a popular winter destination in northern Montenegro.

During the accident, Hertner fell from the lift and was pronounced dead at the scene. His 30-year-old wife, who was seated with him, was left suspended in the air and later rescued by emergency responders. She sustained a broken leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Several other tourists were also caught in the malfunction, with at least three people stranded in their chairs for hours before being safely brought down by rescue teams.

Hertner enjoyed a professional football career in Germany, playing as a defender for clubs such as 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt in the second division. He later went on to captain ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth-tier league.

ETSV Hamburg confirmed his death in a statement shared on Instagram, describing the loss as devastating.

“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.”

Tributes have since poured in from teammates, former colleagues and members of the football community, mourning his sudden and tragic passing.