Football player Violeta Mitul, 26, dies after hiking accident with teammates

The football world has said goodbye to Violeta Mitul. The Moldovan player passed away on 4 September, her club informed CNN.

Mitul was just 26 years old.

"The 26-year-old defender was involved in a tragic accident while on a mountain hike with club-mates," UEFA gave more background info on her death.

At the time of her death, Mitul was playing for Icelandic club Einherji, based in Vopnafjörður.

On an international level, she was a respected member of the Moldova national team, with 40 caps under her belt for her country.

Her club described her as "kind-hearted, hard-working and always with a smile on her face" to CNN.

"She was a trusting teammate and an exceptional football player," her club added.

"The community of Vopnafjörður is devastated by this tragedy," Einherji continued.

"Her passing is a great shock to us all and the hole she leaves behind is big."

Mitul enjoyed a successful career playing all over the world. As well as triumphs at both the Moldovan and Romanian Cups, she also played for teams in Spain, Italy, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.