Ex-Arsenal player dies aged 21 after horrific incident in non-league clash

Former Arsenal player Billy Vigar has tragically died after suffering a head injury during a recent match for Chichester City, it has been confirmed.

The 21-year-old was a part of the Gunners' U21s side up until last year, when he moved to Hastings United on a free transfer. Vigar moved to Chichester this summer, and it was last weekend in a match against Wingate & Finchley that he sustained a horrific head collision. He hit a concrete wall while trying to stop the ball from going out of play. The game was stopped immediately and an ambulance was called, which arrived quickly onto the scene.

But Chichester confirmed on Thursday evening that Vigar had tragically passed away by sharing a statement from the player's family.

READ MORE: Arsenal send heartfelt message to former player in a coma with brain injury

READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal striker in coma with brain injury after horrific head collision during match

The statement 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."

Vigar never made a senior appearance for the Gunners, but he was a regular player in their Under-18s and Premier League 2 outfits.

In the 2021/22 U18s Premier League campaign he came up four goals and two assists for the club's youth side. He joined Arsenal in 2017 at the age of 14 and signed his first professional contract at the Emirates in July 2022.

The Football Association acknowledged his death with a post on social media which read: "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."

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