German international goalkeeper Robert Enke has been killed after he threw himself under a train at a level crossing, police said on Tuesday.
"There has been fatality at a level crossing at Neustadt am Rubenberge," police spokeswoman Martina Stern told AFP.
"He threw himself under a train and died of his injuries. It was definitely suicide," she added.
Jorg Neblung, a close friend and advisor to the six-times capped goalkeeper, also confirmed it was suicide.
"I can confirm that it was suicide," he said.
"Robert took his own life shortly before six o'clock (1700GMT).
The 32-year-old Germany and Hannover 96 goalkeeper - who leaves a widow and a daughter of eight months who they adopted
in May three years after their two-year-old daughter died of a heart illness - had been suffering from an intestinal
infection.
He pulled out of the Germany squad two days ahead of their 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Azerbaijan in
early September.
However, recently he had professed himself delighted to have returned to training last month.
"It has been a long time, almost a quarter of the season. However, once I resumed training I felt really well," said
Enke, who played his last match for the club in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Hamburg.
His death left those closest to him both personally and professionally in total shock.
{{/usCountry}}His death left those closest to him both personally and professionally in total shock.
{{/usCountry}}