A 65-year-old man was found dead in the toilets at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday, with police saying there is no indication of criminal involvement. According to multiple reports, the body was discovered by a cleaner during a routine inspection. Police were called to the scene and cordoned off the area for investigation.
German publication Bild reported that the man is believed to have suffered a medical episode before collapsing. The man had attended an event at the stadium on Wednesday before his body was found the following day. Authorities stated that there is no indication of criminal involvement in the man's death.
The victim was identified as a local resident from Gelsenkirchen. FC Schalke 04 launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the club expressed deep condolences to the bereaved and said it is supporting authorities in the investigation.
The club added that the investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing and referred inquiries to the police. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear why the man was not noticed missing until the next day. The event he attended on Wednesday has not been specified, and it is unknown whether any security or medical personnel were on site who could have responded.
The current status of the police investigation is ongoing.