Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, 48, has died in a car accident in Austria this April 16, as confirmed by the Austrian Football Association. Manninger was driving through a barrierless level crossing when the van he was in was struck by a train.
The accident happened in his home state, Salzburg, at around 8 am local time. No other casualties have been reported.
Manninger played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, making 64 appearances and serving as backup to David Seaman. He was part of the side that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.
An Austrian international with 33 caps, Manninger also played for clubs including Liverpool, Juventus, Red Bull Salzburg, and many others.
Indeed, high-level athletes usually start at a young age and quickly prove themselves at a national and international level. But at the end of their career or even at the peak of success, tragedy can strike. Click through this gallery to find out which other sports stars died too young.