The football world is in mourning as former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar has tragically died at the age of 21.
The young forward passed away after suffering a “significant brain injury” while playing for Chichester City last weekend.
Vigar was involved in an incident during Saturday’s Isthmian League Premier Division clash against Wingate and Finchley.
The match was abandoned just 13 minutes in after the striker collapsed on the pitch.
He was immediately rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma.
According to his family, Vigar underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday in a bid to improve his chances of recovery.
However, despite the procedure, the injury proved fatal, and he died on Thursday morning, September 25.
In a statement, his family expressed their devastation:
“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 morning.”
They 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.”
Chichester City also released a statement confirming the tragic development.
“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.”
Vigar’s former club Arsenal also shared their condolences, remembering the striker for both his talent and character.
“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,” the statement read.
They recalled his passion and impact at youth level: “Billy joined our academy on schoolboy terms aged 14, after being scouted at his home town club Hove Rivervale FC and excelled as a striker at Hale End, scoring 17 goals in his debut season.
Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy in 2017 and signed a professional deal in 2022.
He went on loan to Derby and Eastbourne Borough before moving to Hastings United in 2024.
Earlier this year, he linked up with Chichester City, where his progress impressed teammates and fans alike.
May his soul rest in peace.
