Footballer Billy Vigar dies after sustaining significant brain injury
The 21 year old was placed into an induced coma following an incident during Chichester City's match at Wingate and Finchley
Last updated 26th Sep 2025
The footballer Billy Vigar has died at the age of 21, after suffering a significant brain injury whilst playing for Chichester City FC.
The striker from Worthing was placed into an induced coma following an incident during Saturday's Isthmian League Premier Division match at Wingate and Finchley.
Billy's family have announced his death in a statement released by his club.
Chichester City FC say Billy will forever be in their hearts.
Football clubs and organisations from across the country are sending their condolences to Billy's family and Chichester City.
The 21 year old spent time at Arsenal's academy - and also had spells at Derby County, Hastings United and Eastbourne Borough.
Arsenal have released this statement - saying they're devastated by Billy's death.
"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."
Derby County and Hastings United have said they're deeply saddened and devastated to learn of Billy's death.
Tributes continue to be paid at Chichester's home ground, as flowers are laid from fans who have been affected following Billy's death.