Luca Meixner, a promising soccer player for the German club SSV Reutlingen 05, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 22. The tragic news was announced by the club on Saturday, following the shocking events of December 27.
Meixner's death has sent shockwaves through the SSV Reutlingen community, with the club expressing its deep sorrow on social media. "This past weekend we received the terrible news... The entire SSV family is deeply disturbed and stunned. His teammates, all boards and staff mourn Lucas' survivors and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions," the club stated, reflecting the overwhelming grief felt by his colleagues.
The cause of Meixner’s death has yet to be revealed, leaving many questions unanswered and friends and family struggling to make sense of the loss. The young midfielder had joined the main SSV Reutlingen team back in 2021 after spending his formative years within the club's youth setup. Over this time, he made significant contributions, appearing in 100 matches and netting six goals.
His final appearance for SSV Reutlingen was on December 7 during a match against TSG Balingen. Meixner played 87 minutes before the team ended the game in a 1-1 draw. At the time of his passing, SSV Reutlingen was positioned 10th in Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg, the league where they have competed for the last nine seasons.
Descriptions of Meixner echo his spirited personality on and off the field. He was known for his dynamism and aggressiveness, which made him popular with fans and teammates alike. His commitment to the team’s success was evident when he extended his contract to remain with SSV Reutlingen through the 2024–25 season. "I am very happy to be playing for SSV Reutlingen for another year... I hope we can build on these values again in the coming season," he stated after signing the extension, reitering the significance of solidarity and teamwork.
There is no denying the impact Meixner had on the club and its supporters. His commitment to his craft and work ethic was acknowledged not just by his teammates but by all associated with the club. The statement released by SSV Reutlingen also touched upon the mourning process, requesting respect for the privacy of Meixner’s family during this difficult time.
The loss of such young talent deeply saddens the sport community, with many fellow athletes and fans expressing their condolences. The club has shared images and tributes on its website, reflecting the important role Meixner played within the team and its history.
Looking toward the future, SSV Reutlingen is slated to kick off their next competition on March 1 against Sonnenhof Großaspach. Though the games will go on, they will do so with the absence of Meixner, whose spirit and presence will surely be missed both on the field and within the locker room.