Former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar has tragically passed away at the age of 21 following a severe head injury sustained during the match between Chichester City and Wingate & Finchley over the weekend.
The incident occurred just 15 minutes after kickoff when Vigar accidentally struck his head on a hard surface off the pitch. The match was immediately abandoned as medical staff rushed to treat him on the field before he was airlifted to hospital.
Despite being placed in an induced coma and undergoing emergency surgery, the injury proved too severe. Vigar passed away on the morning of September 25.
Arsenal issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss, describing Vigar as a “determined and talented graduate of our academy,” and extending their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. The English Football Association also expressed its “sincere sympathies” over the devastating news.
Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy at 14, signed a professional contract in 2022, and played for the club’s U21 side. He also had loan spells at Derby County and Eastbourne before leaving Arsenal in 2024 to join Hastings United and later Chichester City.
