Chichester City FC have confirmed that forward Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal academy striker, has died at the age of 21 after suffering a “significant brain injury” during a league match last weekend.
Vigar, from Worthing, sustained the injury while playing against Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division on Saturday.
Though reports suggest the damage was caused by a collision with a concrete wall, the club has not formally confirmed the circumstances.
His family, speaking on Thursday September 25, 2025, expressed their heartbreak.
“We are devastated that this has happened while he was playing the sport he loved,” they said.
“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put into 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.
“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was loved and thought of within the sport.”
Vigar’s career began in Arsenal’s academy, and he later spent time with Derby County, Hastings United, and Eastbourne Borough. Tributes from his former clubs poured in following news of his death.
Derby County said: “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.”
Hastings United called the news “devastating,” while Eastbourne Borough added they were “shocked and deeply saddened.”
The FA also released a statement sending “heartfelt condolences” to his family, friends and Chichester City.
Chichester postponed their upcoming match against Lewes, saying it would be rescheduled.
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