Tributes have poured in for Billy Vigar after the former Arsenal player died aged 21.
Vigar signed a professional contract with Arsenal in July 2022 having joined the club’s academy in December 2017 at the age of 14.
He had loan spells with Derby and Eastbourne Borough before completing a free transfer to Hastings United in July 2024.
Vigar joined Chichester ahead of this season but sustained a “significant brain injury” in an Isthmian League match against Wingate & Finchley game last Saturday, leading to its abandonment after 13 minutes.
Chichester said in a statement: “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 to much for him and he passed away on Thursday morning.”
Chichester also announced on Thursday that Saturday’s game at home to Lewes has been postponed.
Arsenal and Derby have been among the clubs up and down the country paying tribute to Vigar.
On X, formerly Twitter, Arsenal posted: “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.”
Meanwhile, in a post on social media, Derby wrote: “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.”
