Arsenal is 'shocked' upon hearing the news of a former player's death

Arsenal Football Club recently issued an official statement following the sudden passing of their former player Billy Vigar.

English football has been struck by tragedy again as Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal academy player, died at the age of 21 due to a severe brain injury sustained during an Isthmian League Premier Division match. This was confirmed recently by Chichester City, Vigar’s current club.

Billy Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of 14 and signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in 2022. During his time with Arsenal’s U21 team, he made 5 appearances, including a late substitute appearance in the 2022 League Cup match against Ipswich Town. Born in Worthing, he was loaned to Derby County and played 32 matches for Eastbourne Borough in the National League South before leaving Arsenal in 2024.

Last summer, Vigar signed with Chichester City and quickly made an impact by scoring 2 goals in 6 games. However, during a match against Wingate & Finchley last weekend, the young forward suffered a serious injury just 10 minutes into the game. The match was halted, and Vigar was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed in an induced coma. Despite emergency surgery on Tuesday to improve his chances of recovery, he sadly did not survive.

Upon hearing the tragic news, Arsenal immediately released a statement expressing their condolences to Vigar’s family: “Everyone at Arsenal is deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of former academy player Billy Vigar. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Billy.”

The Football Association (FA) also expressed their sympathy: “We are heartbroken to hear of Billy Vigar’s death. Our deepest condolences go out to Billy’s family, friends, relatives, and the entire Chichester City FC community during this challenging period.”

Vigar’s death is not only a shock to his family and Chichester City but also leaves a void in the hearts of English football fans. Many supporters have sent their condolences and shared memories of the young player who was once seen as a promising future star for Arsenal.

At just 21 years old, Billy Vigar was still on his path to proving himself, from Arsenal’s academy to the football fields across England. The tragedy occurring on the pitch, where he held his greatest passion, makes his passing even more heartbreaking.