Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger died Thursday morning when a train struck his car at an unguarded level crossing in Salzburg, Austria.
He was 48. According to Austrian media, the train’s passengers and conductor were unharmed.
An investigation is currently ongoing to reveal the details surrounding the fatal accident. He played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, making 64 appearances on the field as a backup goalkeeper to David Seaman.
Manninger was part of the team when they won the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1998 season. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex,” the team posted on X to commemorate their former teammate. Manninger also played for his hometown club, Red Bull Salzburg.
“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch,” the Austrian Football Association’s sporting director, Peter Schottel, said about the player. “His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable.”
