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Manchester City full-back Nico O'Reilly is among those sending their best wishes to Ethan McLeod's family after his tragic death last night
Manchester City defender Nico O'Reilly and Manchester United academy graduate Shola Shoretire are among those sending heartfelt messages to Ethan McLeod's family after the 21-year-old died on Tuesday evening. In a statement posted on X this afternoon, National League North club Macclesfield confirmed the forward had died in a car crash on the M1.
They wrote: "With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod. Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
"Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him. But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.
"In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be - both on and off the pitch. Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces - even on the darkest of days.
"News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now. The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal - but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
"Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.
"May you rest in peace Ethan - you will forever be a Silkman." Well wishes have since been flooding in from across the football community since the news of his death was announced.
Among them was a comment of a red love heart and pray emoji from O'Reilly, replying to a post from the Instagram account 'Rising Ballers' who described McLeod as a 'truly incredible person on and off the pitch'.
Shoretire responded to the same post with a love heart and white dove emoji.
McLeod was a product of the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy. He spent time on loan at Alvechurch before leaving Molineux in 2024 and joining Rushall Olympic. He also spent time at Stourbridge before arriving at Macclesfield this summer.
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