The former Austrian football player who was a striker for Atletico Madrid, Gerhard Rodax, is dead at age 57. Read on to know how did Gerhard Rodax die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
Rodax played in the 1990 World Cup and scored a goal against the USA. His other notable strike came against Real Madrid in Atletico’s famous 0-3 victory at the Bernabéu.
Who was Gerhard Rodax?
Gerhard Rodax was an Austrian professional football player. Born on August 29, 1965, Rodax played as a striker for the Austrian international team, Admira Wacker, and Atletico Madrid. He started his professional career at Admira Wacker and remained with them for seven years.
In 1990, Rodax became the Austrian Football Bundesliga’s top goalscorer. This helped him earn a contract with the Spanish team Atletico Madrid. However, he played just over a single season and then returned to Austria to play for Rapid Wien.
Rodax retired from professional football in 1993 at the age of just 28. However, he came back two years later before bidding the final adieu in 1996. He won 20 international caps and scored three goals.
How did Gerhard Rodax die?
Gerhard Rodax died on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the age of 57. He passed away after being hit by a train in Traiskirchen, 20KM south of Vienna. Rodax was reportedly suffering from a serious illness prior to the tragic accident.
The unfortunate news of his death was made public by his representatives via social media. The Austrian Football Association then confirmed the news with an emotional tribute.
“The OFB family mourns the loss of his former striker Gerhard Rodax,” their post stated.
“The Austrian died at the age of 57. The OFB will always remember him gratefully.”
Gerhard Rodax dead: What was his cause of death?
Gerhard Rodax was suffering from an unannounced serious illness prior to his death. Due to that, he allegedly took his own life by throwing himself in front of a speeding train this past Thursday.
Rodax’s mental health wasn’t well as per the reports. He didn’t want to live anymore. The former Atletico Madrid striker passed away at 57 in a very tragic manner. He leaves behind two daughters and his wife.
Atletico Madrid leads tributes for Gerhard Rodax
Tributes have emerged for former Austrian football legend Gerhard Rodax who is dead at 57. Spanish side Atletico Madrid led the tributes for the late striker
“The rojiblanca family is mourning the death of Gerhard Rodax. The Austrian player was a member of our team in the 1990-91 season and won a Copa del Rey. You will always be in our hearts,” the club wrote on Twitter.
Rapid Wien also paid respect to the late Austrian football player. “Very sad news reached us today,” they wrote.
“Our former player Gerhard Rodax died in a tragic accident at the age of 57 after a serious illness.
“Our sincere condolences go to his bereaved family.”
Several other fans and players joined in to pay respect to the departed soul.
The funeral arrangements of Gerhard Rodax are pending at this time alongside the official obituary. We’ll keep you posted when his family releases more information.
Our deepest condolences go out to them. May God let his soul rest easy.