Former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar has died at the age of 21 after suffering a brain injury during a non-league football match.
The incident occurred last Saturday when Vigar's head collided with a concrete wall while he was trying to keep the ball in play during Chichester City's match against Wingate & Finchley.
Chichester City confirmed on Thursday evening that Vigar had passed away, sharing a statement from his family.
The family said: "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 statement continued: "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."
Vigar joined Arsenal's academy system in 2017 at the age of 14 and signed his first professional contract at the Emirates in July 2022.
Although he never made a senior appearance for the Gunners, he was a regular in their Under-18s and Premier League 2 teams.
The Football Association acknowledged his death, stating: "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."
Vigar had joined Chichester City during the summer transfer window after a stint at Hastings United.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "BBC", "Guardian", "GB News", "Metro", "Wales Online" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
