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Former Fortuna Köln Defender Nico Niedziella Dies at 55 in Traffic Accident

His longtime Magdeburg employer confirmed the death in a Facebook post recognizing his more than 20 years of service.

Overview

  • Messe- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Magdeburg GmbH said he died in a "tragic traffic accident," sharing the news on Facebook.
  • Niedziella began his senior career at 1. FC Magdeburg with two Oberliga appearances in 1987 and also played for BSG Chemie Leipzig.
  • He established himself at Fortuna Köln with 104 second-division matches from 1993 to 1999, training under club legend Toni Schumacher.
  • His final professional season came at Rot-Weiss Essen in 1999/2000 with 18 appearances before transitioning into event and sports management in Magdeburg, including as sport coordinator at the Bördelandhalle.
  • Fans and local communities, particularly in Essen and Magdeburg, are mourning his unexpected passing, and no further details about the crash have been released.