Alex Manninger dead at 48: Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper killed in ‘car accident involving the railway’

Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after suffering a car accident involving a local railway in his native Austria. 

The former national team shotstopper was killed on Thursday in Salzburg, the state of his birth, with local media outlet Salzburg ORF claiming that Manninger’s car had been hit while crossing a level crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg. 

Manninger is believed to have been tended to by first responders at the scene after his car was first dragged several metres, after being freed from his vehicle. 

Paramedics were quick to arrive at the scene to provide further treatment, but the former player was ultimately unable to be resuscitated. 

Manninger is thought to have been alone in his vehicle, with the train driver and passengers reportedly unharmed. A police investigation into the crash’s circumstances is reportedly ongoing.  

The 48-year-old became the first Austrian player to star in the Premier League after signing for Arsenal in 1997, and went on to win the league title and the FA Cup with the Gunners. 

Before returning to English soil to feature for Liverpool, Manninger also featured at Italian clubs including AC Siena, Torino, and Juventus. 

More to follow.