Harrowing photographs from the scene of Alex Manninger’s fatal car crash have emerged, as the former Liverpool and Arsenal goalkeeper died on Thursday morning. The 48-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after his car collided with a train at a level crossing near Salzburg at around 7.20am.
Local police said that first responders used a defibrilator on Manninger, who was alone in his car at the time of the incident. While he was freed from his vehicle – which was dragged along by the train – he was not able to be resuscitated. Police also said that the train driver was not harmed in the incident.
A photograph from the scene shows a yellow emergency services helicopter landed in a field next to the collision, with emergency services personel surrounding the car and train involved. It comes as Liverpool have paid tribute to the former footballer, who plied his trade at Anfield between 2016 and 2017.
The club wrote: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48. The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his lengthy playing career as a Red.
“Brought in as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, he featured in two friendly fixtures and was named in the matchday squad on four occasions during that campaign. Manninger represented a host of clubs in Europe across two decades – including hometown side Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Juventus and FC Augsburg.
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“He earned 33 senior caps for Austria, the first of which came in August 1999. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal also shared a statement to tribute Manninger, who spent five years at Highbury between 1997 and 2002. Sharing a photograph of the goalkeeper, they wrote: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schöttel also added: “Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch. His international career set standards and inspired and influenced many young goalkeepers.
“His professionalism, composure, and reliability made him an important part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the highest respect and will never be forgotten.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
