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A Promise Lost Too Soon
Billy Vigar was a young forward who had shown real promise. He joined Arsenal’s academy as a 14-year-old in 2017 and later signed his first professional contract in 2022.
During his development, he had loan spells — including time with Derby County’s under-21 side and Eastbourne Borough — and also played for Hastings United before signing for Chichester City for the 2025 season.
He was described as a “powerful and versatile forward” by his former club, Arsenal, who also paid tribute to his passion for the game, character, and the impact he had on teammates and coaches.
How the Injury Occurred
• On 20 September 2025, Chichester City were playing a match against Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division (seventh tier of English football).
• Just around 13 minutes into the game, Vigar went to keep the ball in play. During that attempt, he collided with a hard surface near the pitch (reportedly a concrete or brick wall) after losing his balance, and struck his head.
• The match was immediately abandoned as emergency medical teams attended to him.
• Vigar was transported to hospital and placed into an induced coma. On Tuesday after the injury, he underwent surgery in an attempt to aid recovery. Sadly, despite the medical efforts, the damage proved to be too great.
• He passed away on Thursday, 25 September 2025, in the morning.
His family issued a statement via Chichester City, saying in part:
“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.”
They also added how much Billy was loved within the sporting community and expressed devastation that the accident happened while he was doing what he loved.
Reactions and Legacy
• Arsenal FC released a statement expressing their sorrow, recalling Billy’s commitment to the sport and sending condolences to his family and friends.
• Derby County also extended their sympathies, as did other clubs and the wider football community.
• Chichester City, his club at the time, confirmed his passing, requested privacy for the family, and postponed their upcoming fixture against Lewes in light of the tragedy.
• The Isthmian League announced that a minute of silence would be held before matches that weekend, and players across the league would wear black armbands.
Many fans, former teammates, and observers expressed shock and sorrow, recalling what might have been for such a young talent and raising awareness about safety, especially at lower-league grounds where perimeter hazards can pose serious risks.
A Life Remembered
Billy Vigar was more than just a prospect — he was a young man chasing his dreams, deeply passionate about football. Though he never made a senior appearance for Arsenal, his journey through the youth ranks and into non-league football was one marked by perseverance and dedication.
His tragic death is a harsh reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that sometimes come with sport. Though his time was short, the impact he made — to his clubs, teammates, coaches, and the many who followed his career — will not be forgotten.
Attached is a news article regarding billy vigar former Arsenal player dies aged 21 from brain injury
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq5jye4v64no.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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