Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died at the age of 48.
The Austrian was involved in an accident in Salzburg as his car was hit by a train.
Alex Manninger after winning the title with Arsenal
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Manninger [left] will be fondly remembered by Arsenal fans as part of their iconic 1997/98 squadCredit: PA
According to local police, the incident occurred at an unguarded level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg.
He was thought to have been alone in his car, and reportedly, neither the train driver nor any passengers were harmed in the incident.
Manninger was believed to have been tended to by paramedics; however, he sadly lost his life at the scene.
The 48-year-old, who was the first Austrian ever to play for Arsenal, played 64 times for the Gunners in all competitions.
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He claimed a Premier League and FA Cup winner's medal in the 1997/98 season, before leaving the north Londoners in 2002.
Manninger finished his career at Liverpool, signing a short-term contract in 2016 to maintain his fitness.
However, he never made a competitive appearance for Jurgen Klopp‘s side before retiring in 2017.
The 33-cap Austrian international also played for Juventus among numerous other clubs during a journeyman career.
Touching tributes for Alex Manninger
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack joined talkSPORT's Hawksbee and Baker shortly after news of his fellow shot-stopper's passing.
Stack, who was on Arsenal's books from 1998 to 2006, spent a handful of seasons working closely alongside Manninger.
28 Dec 1998: Alex Manninger of Arsenal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Charlton Athletic at The Valley in Charlton
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He was part of the Arsenal squad that won the double in 1998Credit: Getty
"His appetite to training, learning and improving just blew me away and stuck with me throughout my career," Stack told talkSPORT.
"Technically, he was very different to what I'd seen before, but he was so explosive, so quick around the goal, lightning-quick reflexes, very brave.
"But physically, he was like a gladiator. He was strong; he was a real, powerful man.
"Do you know what, he had such a lovely sense of humour, he was just a really lovely guy to be around. I was with Alex for about three years and learned lots from him."
Stack added: "I'm sure it's going to affect a lot of the players that were in that changing room and spent many years with him and have lots of fond memories having success alongside him."
Austria Salzburg - the team where Manninger started his career - also paid tribute to the goalkeeper in a statement on social media.
Alex Manninger pictured after playing for Austria
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The 48-year-old made 33 appearances for his countryCredit: PA
"It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life," the club wrote.
"Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark - on and off the pitch.
"In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him.
"The thoughts of all of Austria are with you. Rest In Peace, Alexander!" alongside a black heart emoji.
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Red Bull Salzburg also paid tribute to Manninger, adding on X: "We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander", alongside a white dove emoji.