Former Arsenal forward Billy Vigar met his untimely end as he breathed his last following the severe brain injury he sustained while playing for Chichester City.
The 21-year-old Englishman sustained the
injury last Saturday and was put into an induced coma before requiring surgery on Tuesday. However, the injury proved too severe, and the youngster passed away on Thursday.
“We are shocked that this happened while Vigar was doing the sport he loved. He suffered severe brain damage last Saturday, was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery on Tuesday. Although that helped, the injury proved too much for him,” a statement from the club read.
“The response to the original update shows how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His Family are devastated that this happened whilst playing the sport he loved,” the statement added.
It has been reported that Vigar sustained the injury as he collided with a concrete wall during the East Midlands League fixture between Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley in the seventh tier of English football.
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. 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/Pl49bHcnBg
— Chichester City FC (@ChiCityFC) September 25, 2025
His former club, Arsenal shared an update that read, “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy”.
Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.
All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
Rest in peace, Billy ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 25, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/cvAdXIlx96
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 25, 2025
Derby Count, where Vigar okayed the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan from Arsenal posted an update that read, “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 difficult time.”
