Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after a car accident involving a local railway in his native Austria.
The former national team shotstopper was killed on Thursday in Salzburg, with local media outlet Salzburg ORF claiming that Manninger’s car had been hit while crossing a level crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg.
Manninger is believed to have been tended to by first responders at the scene after his car was first dragged several metres, after being freed from his vehicle.
Paramedics arrived to provide treatment, but the former player was unable to be resuscitated.
Manninger is thought to have been alone in his vehicle, with the train driver and passengers reportedly unharmed. A police investigation into the crash’s circumstances is reportedly ongoing.
Tributes Paid to Manninger
Austria Salzburg shared their sympathies on social media. ‘It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life,’ the club shared.
‘Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark – on and off the pitch.
‘In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him.
‘The thoughts of all of Austria are with you. Rest In Peace, Alexander!’
Red Bull Salzburg also paid tribute to Manninger, writing: ‘We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander’.
Serie A shared a statement on behalf of the league to their former champion, writing: ‘Lega Calcio Serie A expresses its condolences for the passing of Alexander Manninger and stands with his family in this sad moment’.
Manninger’s Career in England and Europe
The 48-year-old became the first Austrian player to star in the Premier League after signing for Arsenal in 1997.
He won the league title and the FA Cup with the Gunners during his 39 appearances in north London.
Manninger later played for European clubs including Torino, Siena, Red Bull Salzburg, Udinese, and Augsburg.
Manninger also won the Scudetto with Juventus, and later returned to English soil for his final season in 2016 with Liverpool.
International Career
Manninger made 33 appearances for his country between 1999 and 2.
Austria Salzburg were the first to offer their deepest sympathies on social media.