Hertha Berlin in shock: President Kay Bernstein dies suddenly at the age of 43

Second division team Hertha BSC mourns the loss of its president. The club confirmed his unexpected death at just 43 years old.

"Hertha BSC mourns the loss of Kay Bernstein. This Tuesday, Hertha BSC received the terrible news that President Kay Bernstein died unexpectedly at the age of 43. The entire club, its committees and employees are stunned and deeply dismayed," he said Club on his X account.

Photo: Hertha BSC / X

Bernstein was surprisingly elected as the new president of Hertha BSC in the summer of 2022. He is a former Ultra and used to be the lead singer in the fan zone. In Berlin, he succeeded Werner Gegenbauer, who had led the club for a long time.

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His goal was to reunite the club after years of mismanagement. Bernstein also repeatedly expressed criticism of the professional football system. For example, he called for a reduction in dependence on TV money.

He campaigned for the introduction of a salary cap and called for a return to the traditional German Saturday kick-off time of 3:30 p.m. He also campaigned for measures against exorbitant consulting fees.

His election was also a lesson for the Hertha establishment, which openly wanted to place its candidate in charge, the CDU politician Frank Steffel.

On Thursday, Bernstein traveled to Hertha team's training camp near Alicante, Spain. During this trip, he appeared to be in good spirits.

Photo: Hertha BSC / Instagram

Many second division and Bundesliga clubs expressed their condolences to the Bernstein family on X. HSV, for example, said: “Rest in peace, Kay Bernstein. We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.”

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The president enjoyed great popularity among fans and within the club. Before he said goodbye early Sunday morning, he took the time to hug each and every one of them. In contrast to the team, which took twelve hours to return to Berlin, Bernstein flew to Berlin via Düsseldorf and landed around 4 p.m.

He is said to have gone to bed around 11 p.m. on Monday and didn't wake up on Tuesday morning, according to reports from Bild.

Berstein's wife contacted the emergency services in the morning and later informed Bernstein's close friend, Colin Jahn, at the Hertha office. Jahn, who also originated from Hertha's Ultras and is now marketing director, received the terrible news.

In mid-October, Bernstein suffered severe spinal fractures and broke three vertebrae in an accident at the Hertha offices. However, according to his own statement, he felt fine following a period of rest and rehab.

Bernstein was planning to go on a skiing holiday with his wife and their children soon to get some peace and quiet.

“FC Bayern is united in mourning with the entire football family around Kay Bernstein. Our thoughts are with the family, relatives, companions and his club Hertha BSC,” said Bayern Munich President Herbert Hainer.

Photo: FC Bayern / X

Borussia Dortmund also sent condolences via X: “What shocking news – unbelievable. Our condolences go out to the family, all friends and loved ones. Lots of strength to you during this time.”

The cause of death is still unclear. Kay Bernstein is survived by his wife and two daughters. Rest in peace!

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