A death investigation has been initiated following the unexpected death of Hertha President Kay Bernstein. This is a standard procedure if the cause of death is unclear, a police spokeswoman told dpa.
There are currently no indications of suicide or external influence. The “Tagesspiegel” and RTL had previously reported. The Frankfurt/Oder public prosecutor’s office will now decide on further measures, said the spokeswoman. This could include an autopsy of the body. The death of the 43-year-old club boss became known on Tuesday.
Hertha vice-president Drescher runs business
After Bernstein’s death, Vice President Fabian Drescher will act as interim president of the second division club. The 41-year-old had already chaired the general meeting last October when Bernstein was in hospital due to an accident. It is not yet clear whether Drescher will stay until the regular new elections in October or whether there will be early elections at the general meeting in the spring.
The committees surrounding the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board and the Association Court, which are still able to act, could call new elections. Ten percent of members could also vote for early elections, as “Bild” reports.
Hertha fans remember Bernstein
Numerous Hertha fans remembered Bernstein on the sidelines of the training session. Around 80 supporters followed the Berliners’ first public training session in the afternoon after the news broke the day before. Many of them had flowers with them.
Sports director Benjamin Weber and coach Pal Dardai were the first to enter the training field, the team followed. Hertha explained that the public training should also give the fans another opportunity to show their sympathy.
A queue formed in front of the office. A framed picture of Bernstein was placed there, and the blue tracksuit jacket that was the president’s trademark was hung over a corner. Flowers were placed in front of the picture and candles were placed. Some fans cried, many signed the condolence book.
It can be assumed that the club and the fans will honor Bernstein at the upcoming home game against Fortuna Düsseldorf on Sunday (1.30 p.m.). Thanks to a cooperation between the TV rights holder Sky and RTL, those who are not in the stadium can also follow the Sunday games conference on free TV on RTL.
