Former Arsenal Striker Billy Vigar Dies at 21 Following Brain Injury
chichester City FC and former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar has died after sustaining a “notable brain injury” during a match on Saturday, Febuary 17, 2024. He was 21 years old.
Vigar was injured while playing for Chichester City FC against Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division. while the club has not confirmed details, reports suggest the injury occurred after a collision with a concrete wall. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery on Tuesday, February 20, in an attempt to aid recovery, but passed away on Thursday morning, February 22.
“We are devastated that this has happened while he was playing the sport he loved,” Vigar’s family said in a statement. “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put into an induced coma. On Tuesday, he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Even though this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday morning. The responses to the original update show how much Billy was loved and thought of within the sport.”
Vigar was a product of the Arsenal academy, representing the club’s under-21s during a loan spell from Derby County in the second half of the 2022-23 season. He also had spells with Derby County, hastings United, and Eastbourne Borough.
Derby County released a statement saying, “All at derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. Billy spent the second half of the 2022-23 season with the academy on loan from Arsenal, making several appearances for the Under-21s. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly tough time.”
Hastings United added, ”All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar. We will always remember Billy’s time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this time.”
Vigar made 32 appearances for Eastbourne Borough while on loan from Arsenal during the 2023-24 season. The club stated,”[we] are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Billy Vigar. Both footballing and non-footballing club staff are shocked and deeply saddened by the news, and our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this terrible time.”
The Football Association also expressed its condolences, stating, “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and everyone at chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time.”
