In what police called an apparent suicide, the goalkeeper for the German national soccer team was struck by a train Tuesday.

In a statement, Hannover police press officer Stefan Wittke said that Robert Enke, 32, was hit by a train around 6:25 p.m. (local time).

Wittke added, “Preliminary police investigations indicate a suicide.”

Police did not elaborate on what evidence they had that pointed to suicide.

Enke played for Hannover 96 in Germany’s top league, the Bundesliga. Wearing Germany’s national uniform eight times in games against international opponents, he reached the highest levels of competitive soccer.

News of Enke’s death stunned his teammates.

In a statement from the German Football Federation (GFF), team manager Oliver Bierhoff said, “We are in a state of shock. It is beyond words.”

Enke always said he wanted to play for the national team at the 2010 World Cup, according to the GFF statement. Enke was on course to receive the nod for a spot on the team, soccer commentator and journalist Rafael Honigstein said.

(article and photo source: CNN)