Shakhtar Donetsk striker Maicon killed in car accident

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Maicon has been killed in a car crash, the team announced Saturday.

The 25-year-old Brazilian was involved in an accident in the city of Donetsk early Saturday morning, but no further details of the incident have been revealed.

The Ukrainian club released the following statement on its official website:

"FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on February 8, 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended. He died in a car crash in Donetsk. He was a talented footballer, an open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright.

The statement added: "(His) tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old. It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon's family and friends. May he rest in peace."