22 October 2023, Bavaria, Nuremberg: Soccer: 2nd Bundesliga, 1. FC Nürnberg - Hertha BSC, Matchday 10 at Max Morlock Stadium. Kay Bernstein, President Hertha BSC, before the game. Photo: Heiko Becker/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequence pictures and/or video-like photo series.

Hertha Berlin 'stunned' after club president Kay Bernstein dies at 43

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BERLIN (AP) — Hertha Berlin was left "stunned" on Tuesday following the death of club president Kay Bernstein at the age of 43.

Hertha announced he had died unexpectedly and that “the entire club, its committees and employees are stunned and deeply dismayed.”

Local media reported that Bernstein was with the team for its training camp in Alicante, Spain last week, and had returned on a flight to Berlin on Sunday.

The B.Z. tabloid reported that he died from a suspected heart attack.

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.