Billy Vigar, a former player of the Arsenal Academy, died at the age of 21, following a brain injury suffered during a match in the lower leagues. The injury, produced on the playing field, led to an induced coma and, finally, to his death.
Billy Vigar died at the age of 21. Photo: Arsenal.com
Billy Vigar, an striker at Chichester City and former Junior of the Arsenal club, died on Thursday morning, at the age of 21. The young man suffered a severe brain injury during a match played last Saturday in the Ithmian League Premier Division, on the field of Wingate & Finchley. The match was stopped after only 13 minutes, Portivit The Guardian.
The Chichester club issued a statement confirming the tragic news.
“After suffering a serious brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to increase the chances of recovery. Although this helped, the lesion proved to be too serious for him and died on Thursday morning,” transmitted the Sports Club.
It seems that the fatal impact took place when the player was trying to keep the ball in the field, accidentally hitting a concrete wall on the edge of the playing surface.
Billy Vigar joined the Arsenal Academy in December 2017, at the age of 14, and signed a professional contract in July 2022. He was borrowed at Derby County, where he evolved for the Under-21 team, but also at Eastbourne Borough. In July 2024, he transferred to the Hastings United, then signed with Chichester City just before the new season.
English football, in mourning
The Derby County Club sent a condolence message: “Everyone at Derby County is deeply endured by Billy Viggar’s death. Billy spent the second half of season 2022/23 at the Academy, borrowed from Arsenal, playing several times for the Under-21 team. The thoughts of everyone in the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult moment.”
As a sign of respect, Chichester announced the postponement of the match on Saturday with the Lewes team.
The club on Thursday sent an exciting message on social networks:
“With great sadness, Chichester City Football Club confirms Billy Viggar’s death.
Rest in peace, Billy. You will remain forever in the hearts of everyone at Chichester City Football Club. ”
