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Ex-Arsenal starlet Billy Vigar has sadly died after sustaining a horror brain injury mid-game. The 21-year-old crashed into a hard pitchside surface as his current side Chichester City took on Wingate & Finchley over the weekend.
The striker was treated on the pitch by an ambulance crew before being rushed to the hospital via helicopter. The game was eventually abandoned.
A statement from Chichester City shortly after the accident read: "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."
They followed up their statement with a post reading: "It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. Below is a statement from his family. We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time."
A further statement from Vigar's family read: "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 (25th) morning.
"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 were scheduled to take on Isthmian Premier Division rivals Lewes this weekend, albeit that game had already been postponed.
Vigar was a graduate of Arsenal's Hale End academy and went on to feature regularly for the Gunners' under-18 and under-21 sides. He departed in the summer of 2024, having not made a senior appearance.
The North London side was among those to offer their thoughts with a touching message. A statement read: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Billy. Everyone at Arsenal sends love and support to Billy and his loved ones at this difficult time."
Vigar went on to play for Hastings and Eastbourne Borough following his exit from North London and joined Chichester this past summer. Vigar's accident comes just a year after former Bath City star Alex Fletcher was forced into early retirement having been involved in a similar incident in 2022.
He has been among those to have offered his support to Vigar. Fletcher wrote:“My heart breaks reading this terrible news. Sending all the love, strength and best wishes to the Vigar family for healing in time. You’ve got this Billy.”
Chichester's next match following the Lewes postponement is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 30 September at home against Cheshunt.
More to follow...
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it.
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