Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at around 8:20am on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, Austria. According to local police and Austrian media reports, Manninger was behind the wheel when the collision happened. The local train was carrying around 25 passengers and the driver; all were unharmed.
Emergency services, including the Red Cross and local volunteer fire department, rushed to the scene and performed first aid, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite their efforts, Manninger was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Austrian FA and Red Bull Salzburg quickly confirmed the news on social media. Salzburg posted: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.”
Manninger enjoyed a distinguished career after breaking through at Arsenal, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998. He later played in Italy for Juventus, Udinese and Torino before joining Red Bull Salzburg. In 2016 he returned to England with Liverpool.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the popular Austrian keeper, with Express Sport following live updates and reactions as more details emerge.
Our thoughts are with Manninger’s family, friends and former clubs at this incredibly difficult time.