Billy Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for Chichester City and former Arsenal academy player, has died after sustaining a brain injury during a league match last weekend.
Vigar, from Worthing, was injured in the opening minutes of an Isthmian League Premier Division game against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday. The match was abandoned after just 13 minutes.
It is understood the injury occurred when he collided with a concrete wall near the pitch, though the club has not confirmed the details.
Chichester City said he was immediately placed in an induced coma and taken into intensive care. On Monday, the club reported that “Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment. It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery.”
Two days later, Vigar underwent surgery. Despite doctors’ efforts, he passed away on Thursday morning.
In a statement issued through his family, Chichester said: “Although the operation helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.”
The club described the wave of support as a comfort to his loved ones. “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.”
Chichester postponed their fixture against Lewes, confirming it will be rescheduled at a later date.
Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy at 14 and went on to make four appearances for their under-21 team in 2022. He later played for Derby County, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United before joining Chichester in August.
Arsenal expressed their sorrow in a post on X: “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy.”
Earlier in the week, the club had wished him a “speedy recovery” while he was still in intensive care.
Hastings United also paid tribute, saying they were “devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar,” and would “always remember his time at Hastings United with fondness.”
The Isthmian League confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before all games this weekend. Players across the division will wear black armbands in his memory.
Vigar’s sudden death has left a deep mark on the football community, where he was seen not only as a talented forward but also a much-loved teammate.
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