A young soccer star was tragically found dead in his bed just two days after Christmas.
Luca Meixner, a 22-year-old who played for German soccer club SSV Reutlingen, sadly passed away on December 27, Daily Mail reported.
SSV Reutlingen released an emotional statement on Instagram confirming the devastating news, which read: "Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22.
"The entire SSV family is deeply saddened and stunned. His teammates, all committees, and employees mourn with Luca's bereaved family and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and companions.
"We ask that the privacy of Luca's family be respected during this difficult time," the club added. A cause of death has not been revealed.
Alongside the statement on the website, the club shared a black-and-white image of Meixner, as well as pictures of his photo sitting on the ground next to a candle and a scarf.
They also added a heartfelt snap of his teammates holding a banner outside the stadium reading "Ruhe in Frieden," which translates to "Rest in peace, Luca."
The midfielder joined Reutlingen - a club that currently sits tenth in the fifth-tier of German football - as a youngster and made his senior debut in 2021.
He went on to enjoy a successful career with his boyhood team, featuring in 100 matches and scoring six goals.
His final appearance with Reutlingen was before the winter break on December 7th. He started the match and played for 87 minutes.
"I am very happy to be playing for SSV Reutlingen for another year, which has been my home for over 10 years," the player said about his club after extending his contract, per PEOPLE.
"Even as a youth, I learned in this club how important the right values are for success. I hope that we can build on these values again in the coming season and, with a lot of solidarity, hard work, and the necessary team spirit, we can compete at the top," he added.
Several other teams and soccer players have shared tribute posts to Meixner under the club's Instagram post.
FSV 08 Bietigheim-Bissingen penned: "Deepest sympathy from Bietigheim-Bissingen in this difficult time of mourning from the club," and fR Mannheim 1896 e.V. added: "Our heartfelt condolences and much strength during this difficult time!"
Our thoughts are with Meixner's family, friends, and fans at this time.