Former Arsenal Star Sadly Dies After Horror Brain Injury During Football Match
- A former Arsenal star has sadly passed away at the age of 21 after sustaining a brain injury in a Chichester City match
- He was placed in an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery after colliding with a hard pitchside surface, but sadly did not survive
- Arsenal, along with several clubs across England, have paid tribute to the young forward and extended heartfelt condolences to his family
Former Arsenal youngster Billy Vigar has passed away following a horrific brain injury sustained during a match.
The 21-year-old striker, who was playing for Chichester City, was involved in a terrifying incident on Saturday in a lower-division clash against Wingate & Finchley.
Source: Getty Images
Just 15 minutes into the game, Vigar collided with a hard pitchside surface, forcing an immediate halt to play as medical staff rushed to his aid.
He was treated on the pitch by paramedics before being airlifted to hospital, with the match ultimately abandoned.
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors placed Vigar in an induced coma and carried out emergency surgery in a desperate attempt to save his life.
However, despite their best efforts, the injury proved too severe, as confirmed by Express Football.
On Thursday morning, Vigar’s devastated family released a statement announcing his passing.
“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy was put in an induced coma,” the statement read via The Sun.
“Although surgery helped, the injury proved too much for him, and he passed away on Thursday morning. His family are devastated that this happened while he was playing the sport he loved.”
Chichester City Football Club also released an emotional statement, saying:
“It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time.”
Arsenal pay tribute to Vigar
Billy Vigar, who rose through Arsenal’s Hale End academy before signing professional terms in 2022, has been remembered with heartfelt words from his former club.
Source: Getty Images
Renowned for his pace, strength, and unwavering determination, the 21-year-old forward earned the admiration of both coaches and teammates during his time with the Gunners.
In a statement, Arsenal said:
“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is deeply sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy player, Billy Vigar. Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game and pride at representing our club.”
Vigar featured prominently for Arsenal’s under-18 and under-21 teams before departing in the summer of 2024.
He later represented Hastings and Eastbourne Borough before joining Chichester City in the most recent transfer window.
Source: Getty Images
The news of Vigar’s death comes just two weeks after Colombian wonderkid Eder Smic Valencia tragically lost his life while on holiday in Guachene, near Cali, when the vehicle he was travelling in reportedly collided with a tanker truck.
The 16-year-old, who had impressed at the Under-16 Bulls Cup in February, was widely regarded as a future star and was set to travel to the United States this week to finalise a move to the New York Red Bulls.
Around the same period, a goalkeeper, Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa, tragically collapsed and died just seconds after saving a penalty with his chest. He was seen on a live stream falling to the ground moments after celebrating the crucial stop with a teammate.
Source: Getty Images
Footballer collapses and dies in front of mom
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that an Italian footballer tragically died after collapsing at home in front of his mother.
The 30-year-old had recently joined an Italian non-league side. He was scheduled to take part in his very first training session with the team today after signing his contract.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
