Valon Berisha, a 33-year-old football player, experienced a devastating personal tragedy when his cousin was involved in a fatal accident in Laakirchen, Austria. As he drove, Berisha saw his cousin's van veer off the autobahn and crash into a sound barrier, resulting in a fatal outcome. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, and Berisha immediately stopped his vehicle to call emergency services, but despite their best efforts over the next thirty minutes, his cousin was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement regarding the incident, FC Zürich expressed its unwavering support for Berisha during this incredibly difficult time, emphasizing the importance of respecting the family's privacy and requesting understanding as they would not offer further comments on the situation. The statement reflects a common practice among professional sports organizations to provide support to players facing personal crises, highlighting the emotional toll such experiences can have on athletes.

According to Kronen Zeitung, Berisha had traveled to Linz on Saturday evening with two cousins to collect belongings before this tragic turn of events. The incident has shocked the football community and raised discussions about road safety and the impacts of witnessing traumatic events on individuals, particularly in high-pressure environments like professional sports, where mental health is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of an athlete's overall well-being.