Hertha Berlin was rocked on Tuesday by the death of club president Kay Bernstein at the age of 43.
Hertha stated that he had died abruptly, adding that “the entire club, its committees, and employees are stunned and deeply dismayed.”
According to local media, Bernstein attended the team’s training camp in Alicante, Spain, last week and flew back to Berlin on Sunday.
The B.Z. tabloid reported that he died from a suspected heart attack.
Who was Kay Bernstein?
Bernstein, a former hardcore Hertha ultra with no prior managerial experience, was surprisingly elected president in June 2022 when the club was reeling from years of mismanagement and boardroom turmoil.
He oversaw the cash-strapped club’s takeover by an American investment group and relegation from the Bundesliga last season.
“The Hertha family mourns with Kay’s survivors and their thoughts are with his family, friends and companions during this difficult time,” the club said in a statement.
Kay Bernstein: Orbutiary
“Hertha BSC mourns the passing of Kay Bernstein. The club got the dreadful news on Tuesday that president Kay Bernstein had died unexpectedly at the age of 43,” the organization stated.
“The news has stunned and severely devastated the whole club, including its governing bodies and staff members. The whole Hertha family mourns Kay’s death and is thinking about his family and friends.”
Hertha, who was demoted from the Bundesliga the previous season, currently sits eighth in the league’s second division.
