(Reuters) -Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar, 21, died on Thursday morning after suffering a significant brain injury sustained during an Isthmian League match at Wingate & Finchley on Saturday.
According to the semi-professional club, Vigar was placed in an induced coma following the on-field injury, and an operation on Tuesday was aimed at aiding his recovery. However, the efforts proved unsuccessful and he passed away early Thursday.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time,” Arsenal said in a statement. “Quick, powerful and fiercely determined… everyone at Arsenal Football Club is deeply sorry to hear of the tragic passing.”
Vigar, a former Arsenal academy player, joined full-time for the 2020/21 season. He later spent time on loan with Derby County’s under-21s and Eastbourne Borough before joining Hastings United on a free transfer in 2024. He signed for Chichester City last month.
Chichester City confirmed that the match against Lewes scheduled for Saturday had been postponed due to the incident.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
