German footballer, Luca Meixner, 22, found dead as 'shocked' club release statement
German football club SSV Reutlingen said they were "shocked and stunned" as they announced the death of 22-year-old Luca Meixner in a heartbreaking statement
German team SSV Reutlingen announced the death of young player Luca Meixner in a heartbreaking statement.
Meixner, 22, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27, according to a statement released by the club. The German midfielder's death was confirmed by the German side in a social media post at the weekend.
The translated statement reads: "The entire SSV family is deeply shocked and stunned. His team-mates, all committees and employees mourn with Lucas' relatives and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions.
“Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22. We ask that you respect the privacy of Lucas' family during this difficult time.”
Condolences were shared by other teams and fans, with Sonnenhof Grossaspach writing: "Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time!" Goppinger SV posted: "Much strength to the entire club."
Meixner began his career in the club’s youth teams before he stepped into the U17 side in 2017 and the U19s two years later. He made his first-team debut in the Landespokal Wurttemberg in a 3-0 win against SV Zimmern in July 2021, making his league bow the following month in a 2-0 defeat to FC Nottingen.
The central midfielder was a regular starter for the club, scoring six times in 100 appearances for Reutlingen, including 22 games this season for the Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg fifth-tier side. Meixner played his final game for the club on December 7 in a 1-1 draw against TSG Balingen before the winter break.
SSV Reutlingen were previously a second-division club at the turn of the Millennium, playing three seasons between 2000 and 2003 before they were relegated. The introduction of the new third-tier, 3. Liga, in 2008, saw Reulingen drop another tier.