16-year-old handball player Marko Grbavac killed in traffic accident
The RK Izviđač youth player died after being hit by a passenger vehicle while cycling to school; the driver was arrested.
Sixteen-year-old handball player Marko Grbavac died on September 9, 2026, after a road collision while riding his bicycle to school in the Ljubuški area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was a member of the youth academy at RK Izviđač and was widely regarded as one of the club’s most promising talents.
The accident happened when a passenger motor vehicle struck the teenager’s bicycle. Emergency medical teams arrived quickly, but despite resuscitation efforts he could not be saved. Local reports say the driver of the vehicle was detained following the crash.
News of the fatal crash sent shock through teammates, friends and the wider sporting community across the region. The death has prompted expressions of grief from others involved in youth sport and handball development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Club reaction
RK Izviđač released an emotional statement mourning the loss of their young player. In the message the club described the blow to the team and to the town, and thanked Marko for his presence and commitment.
In translated excerpts the club said: “With an unfortunate incident our young handball player, our Marko Grbavac, tragically died. Today all his dreams were extinguished. Sorrow and disbelief have seized our club, our town and everyone who knew him. It is difficult to find words to express the pain for the loss of such a young life.”
“He was part of us, our friend, teammate, a smile and hope. Your cheerfulness and love for handball will remain forever in our hearts. We thank you for every moment, for every smile and for everything you were. Rest in peace, our Marko, our angel. We will never and must not forget you,” the club added.
Photo: press material from the event
