7M - Arsenal Mourn Ex-Goalkeeper Manninger After Fatal Train Collision

Former Arsenal shot-stopper Alexander Manninger has died at age 48 following a collision between his vehicle and a train in Austria's Salzburg region, his former club Red Bull Salzburg confirmed Thursday.

The incident occurred while Manninger was crossing railway tracks. Austrian news agency APA reported the accident, which injured no other individuals, remains under police investigation.

"We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident," Red Bull Salzburg stated on social media. "Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."

Both Arsenal and the Austrian Football Association shared tributes. Arsenal posted: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger." The Austrian FA added on X: "With him, the world of football has lost a very special person."

Manninger featured 64 times for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, claiming Premier League and FA Cup honors. Though often serving as backup to David Seaman, he proved instrumental during the 1997-98 campaign when Seaman was sidelined, helping Arsene Wenger's side secure a domestic double.

"He did amazingly well," Seaman told the Press Association. "For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special. The fans loved him."

The Austria international earned 33 caps and represented his nation at Euro 2008. Beginning his career at Red Bull Salzburg, he also played for Juventus, Udinese, Siena, Augsburg, and signed a brief deal with Liverpool in 2016 without making a first-team appearance.