Gladbach defender Jordi Bongard killed in traffic accident at 20 years old

Borussia Monchengladbach have confirmed that Under-23 defender Jordi Bongard has been killed in a traffic accident on Wednesday night.

The centre-back, who played for Germany Under-18s and Under-17s has lost his life at just 20 years old, having been with the Bundesliga club since 12 years old.

A post on Gladbach’s Twitter account read: ‘Borussia mourns Jordi Bongard. Our U23 player died in a traffic accident last night.

‘We express our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones and wish them strength. Jordi will always be in our thoughts & hearts!’

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Borussia mourns the death of U23s player Jordi Bongard, who unfortunately died in a car accident last night. We would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Jordi will forever be in our thoughts and in our hearts! ð pic.twitter.com/q0A6RqWiHk

The club’s sporting director Roland Virkus said: ‘We received this terrible news this morning and we are stunned. Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with Jordi’s family.’

There was an outpouring of sympathy from within German football, with Mainz posting on their Twitter account: ‘We are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jordi’s family at this difficult time.’

A statement from Wolfsburg read: ‘This truly hurts. We extend our sincerest condolences Jordi’s family, friends and everyone at Gladbach.’

FC Koln added: ‘The #effzeh family are shocked and in mourning over the Jordi Bongard’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Gladbach in this difficult time.’

MORE: Wladimir Klitschko condemns ‘reckless and deadly imperialism’ as Russia invades Ukraine

MORE: UEFA to move Champions