German Footballer "Sebastian Hertner" Dies aged 34

metalmachine · Dec 23, 2025

A man who died in a horror ski-lift crash in Montenegro has been revealed as a former professional footballer.

The victim, identified as Sebastian Hertner, 34, once competed on Germany’s second division team.

Hertner’s chair at Savin Kuk ski resort suddenly slid 230ft backwards, smashing into the seat behind and trapping his wife.
He fell 225ft from the chairlift and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The horror struck on Sunday afternoon during what was meant to be a relaxing couples’ holiday in the Durmitor Mountains.
In a heart-breaking Instagram post, the club mourned his death.

According to reports, the couple were riding a double chairlift when disaster struck at around 1pm.
One of the chairs is believed to have come loose from the cable.
It then slid violently backwards along the rope and the runaway chair slammed into the seat behind it.
Hertner fell from the lift during the collision, plunging to his death.
Local officials said several passengers were left stranded high above the ground.
At least three other tourists were trapped in their chairs for several hours.

Hertner’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief from the football world.
He previously played in the second division for 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt.
Most recently, he was still active as a player.
Hertner captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth tier.
Hertner also represented Germany at U18 and U19 level.
During his youth career, he played alongside future World Cup winner Christoph Kramer.
He also shared the pitch with Felix Kroos, the brother of Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos.