Germany in mourning after goalkeeper commits suicide
- Source: Global Times
- [22:49 November 11 2009]
- Comments
Supporters display candles and flowers around a photo showing Robert Enke at the AWD-Arena stadium in Hanover Wednesday, hours after the keeper's tragic death. Photo: AFP
Germany was in shock Wednesday after football star Robert Enke, who was set to represent his country at the 2010 World Cup, committed suicide by throwing himself under a train.
Police said goalkeeper Enke had killed himself at a level crossing in the small town of Neustadt am Rubenberge, near Hanover, shortly before 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) Wednesday.
He was just 32.
Enke leaves behind a widow, Teresa, and a daughter of eight months, Leila, adopted by the couple in May – three years after their two-year-old daughter Lara tragically died of a heart defect in 2006.
"He threw himself under a train and died of his injuries. It was definitely suicide," police spokeswoman Martina Stern said.
Joerg Neblung, a close friend and advisor to the goalkeeper, also confirmed that Enke had taken his own life.
"I can confirm that it was suicide," he said.
Enke, born in Jena in eastern Germany in 1977, was understudy to then first-team keeper Jens Lehmann during the 2008 European championships and took over in goal for Germany when Lehmann retired in August 2008.
