Former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar has died at the age of 21 after suffering a devastating brain injury during a non-league football match. The tragic incident occurred last Saturday when Vigar's head collided with a concrete wall while he was trying to keep the ball in play during Chichester City's match against Wingate & Finchley.
Emergency services arrived quickly at the scene and Vigar was airlifted to hospital according to GB News. The Guardian reports the match was abandoned after exactly 13 minutes following the collision.
Family confirms tragic death
Chichester City confirmed on Thursday evening that Vigar had passed away, sharing a heartbreaking statement from his family. The family said: "After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning."
The family added: "The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved."
Promising Arsenal career cut short
Vigar joined Arsenal's academy system in 2017 at the age of 14 and signed his first professional contract at the Emirates in July 2022. Although he never made a senior appearance for the Gunners, he was a regular in their Under-18s and Premier League 2 teams.
Wales Online reports that in the 2021/22 U18s Premier League campaign, he scored four goals and provided two assists for Arsenal's youth side. He remained part of the club's development setup until last season before moving to Hastings United on a free transfer.
Football community mourns loss
The Football Association acknowledged his death, stating: "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."
Vigar had joined Chichester City during the summer transfer window after his stint at Hastings United. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of support from across the football community and highlighted the risks faced by players in lower-league football.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "BBC", "Guardian", "GB News", "Metro", "Wales Online" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
