The Hannover96 confirmed the death of forward Niklas Feierabend in a car accident. The 19-year-old striker was emerging as one of the main promises of German football.
"All players, coaches, collaborators, fans, and everyone in the Hannover 96 environment are deeply shocked. Niklas, we do not want and we will never forget you," the club wrote on its website.
Feierabend was traveling in the back of the vehicle along with an 18-year-old man and woman, who also lost their lives when the car, for reasons still unknown, crashed into a tree.
The 21-year-old vehicle driver was seriously injured, and the 18-year-old co-pilot was admitted to the hospital with minor injuries.
"The three fatal victims probably were not wearing seat belts," said a police spokesman.
The accident occurred on a straight road between the towns of Hiddestorf and Pattensen, near Hanover.
In the last winter break, the striker participated in the team concentration in Belek, Turkey. However, former coach Thomas Schaaf and current coach Daniel Stendel did not include him in any Bundesliga match.
Feierabend managed to qualify for the final of the German Cup in the U19 category.