Former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar has died aged 21 after suffering a ‘significant brain injury’ while playing for lower division side Chichester City.
Vigar was put into an induced coma after being injured in Saturday’s Isthmian League Premier Division match against Wingate and Finchley.
A statement from Vigar’s 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 morning.
Arsenal, in a statement, said:”Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is deeply sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Chichester City forward and former Arsenal academy player, Billy Vigar.
“Billy joined our academy on schoolboy terms aged 14, after being scouted at his hometown club Hove Rivervale FC and excelled as a striker at Hale End, scoring 17 goals in his debut season. In 2020, his performances earned him a scholarship and joined us full-time for the 2020/21 season, his intake including current players Charles Sagoe Jr, Remy Mitchell and others such as Omari Hutchinson, Charlie Patino and Brook Norton-Cuffy.
“Quick, powerful and fiercely determined, his first season as a scholar was blighted by a serious hamstring injury, but he made up for it in his second, scoring four goals in 18 under-18 appearances and signed professional terms for the club at the end of that 2021/22 season.
“Billy went on to appear for us in the PL2 and EFL Trophy and proved to be an asset across the forward positions and even deputised in defence – his versatility illustrating his commitment to the coaching staff and his team.
“He enjoyed loan spells at Derby County and Eastbourne Borough and at the end of the 2023/24 season, headed back to his native south coast, signing for Hastings United – prior to a move to Chichester just last month.
“As well as his significant talent, Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club – he once called the day he was spotted by our scouts as ’the most Important of his life’ – and a character beloved by teammates and coaches alike.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
