SSV Reutlingen announced the sad news on social media (Picture: SSV Reutlingen)
A German club have been left ‘deeply shocked and stunned’ by the ‘unexpected’ death of their 22-year-old footballer.
SSV Reutlingen announced the shock and tragic death of Luca Meixner on social media.
The club said Meixner, who played as a midfielder, passed away two days after Christmas.
His death has left the club ‘deeply shocked and stunned’.
‘Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the age of 22,’ the club said in a translated statement.
‘The entire SSV family is deeply shocked and stunned. His teammates, all committees and employees mourn with Lucas’s relatives and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions.
‘We ask that you respect the privacy of Lucas’ family during this difficult time.’
Meixner was reportedly ‘found dead in his best’ over the festive period. The cause of death has not been declared.
The talented footballer joined Reutlingen’s academy at a young age and broke into the first-team in 2021, going on to make more than 100 appearances for his boyhood club.
Meixner featured in Reutlingen’s final match before the mid-season winter break at the start of December, playing 86 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
Reutlingen are currently 10th in Oberliga, the fifth tier of German football, with 25 points from 20 games.
Several German clubs have sent condolences to Reutlingen and Meixner’s family.
Fellow fifth-tier side Sonnenhof Grossaspach wrote on social media: ‘Our heartfelt condolences, and lots of strength at this difficult time.’
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