Biggest memorial service ever held for a German athlete in Hannover today

[Kirsten]

Don't know if you have heard about that (I know it was also on cnn), but the goalkeeper of the German soccer team, Robert Enke, has committed suicide on Tuesday. He was only 32 years old. He leaves his wife and a little baby girl the couple has adopted earlier this year, after they lost their own little daughter three years ago (the little girl was born with a serious heart condition and died at the age of two).

The day after Robert Enke's death, the public learned that he has suffered from severe depression for many years. He didn't want to go to a clinic in fear his illness would become public. He feared consequences for his job, and for the adoption of their baby girl. Obviously he couldn't take the pressure anymore, and choose to step in front of a train...

Robert Enke's death seems to have shaken the entire country deeply, it's touching many people. There was a service held the day after his passing, and 30,000 joined a silent march through the city of Hannover. And thousands of candles are burning outside Hannover's soccer stadium.

Today, there was a huge memorial ceremony, the biggest one (except the one for our first chancellor, Adenauer) Germany has ever seen. It has been held in the soccer stadium of Enke's team, Hannover 96, and almost 40,000 people came to say goodbye, including his family and teammates. It was very moving and very tastefully done. In the end, his Hannover 96-teammates carried the casket out of the stadium while "The Rose" was played, it's been really moving. Only one week ago, it's been there in the same place that he last played for his team...

Here are some ccn articles:
Tens of thousands gather for Enke's memorial
Germany stunned by Enke's suicide death

And this is from timesonline:
Germany stunned after 'suicide' of Robert Enke, national team goalkeeper
Suicide and Robert Enke's widow's tears leave Germany numbed with grief

Kirsten

[Barbara]

I have no clue for all things soccer but I heard that this guy was a really nice and un-arrogant guy. I am very sorry for him.

[Kirsten]

Yes, everyone says he's been a great man, very down-to-earth and thoughtful. Not to forget, he and his wife cared a lot for animals. They adopted 8 dogs from South European countries, and obviously supported animal recue groups.

Kirsten

[cassiesmom]

I heard about it on the morning news. How sad that this young man did not feel he could get help for his depression. And, how sad for his family, teammates, and fans.

[Karen]

How very sad, but we will keep his wife and daughter in our prayers. Depression is such a horrible illness, and so misunderstood, it is tragic that he felt he could not get help.

[karyn674]

I also heard of this tragedy. My husband was telling me when he came from work.

Indeed, money does not make a difference if you're struck with such problems, like in his case loosing a child. Poor family what a dark moment they must be going through!