Inter Milan’s backup goalkeeper, Josep Martínez, is at the centre of a heartbreaking tragedy after reportedly being involved in a car accident that claimed the life of an 81-year-old man in northern Italy on Tuesday morning (October 28).

The Spanish player was driving to training around 10:00 am near Fenegro, close to Inter’s base in Appiano Gentile, when the collision occurred.

Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, including police, an ambulance, and even a helicopter, the elderly man died at the scene.

Early investigations suggest the victim may have suffered a medical emergency that caused his motorised wheelchair to swerve into Martinez’s path. The goalkeeper, said to be deeply shaken but physically unharmed, is cooperating fully with police as they continue their inquiry.

In the wake of the incident, Inter manager Christian Chivu cancelled his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s Serie A clash with Fiorentina.

Martínez, 27, has made 12 appearances for Inter since joining last season, keeping seven clean sheets, and previously represented Genoa, RB Leipzig, and Las Palmas. The Spain international, who has one senior cap, stepped up earlier this year when first-choice keeper Yann Sommer was sidelined with a fractured thumb.