Billy Vigar dead at 21 after suffering brain injury during game

Chichester City FC Billy Vigar died at the age of 21 after sustaining a “significant brain injury” during a match on Saturday, the team announced Thursday. 

Vigar, a former Arsenal player, was playing in an Isthmian League game at Wingate & Finchley when the injury occurred. 

The match was subsequently suspended. 

Chichester revealed Monday that Vigar was in an induced coma and in intensive care. 

“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma,” said a Thursday statement from Vigar’s family, issued via Chichester. “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.

“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”

Chichester’s game on Saturday against Lewes FC has been postponed as well. 

Vigar signed with Arsenal when he was 14, playing in four contests. 

He spent time with Derby, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United before joining Chichester in August.

“All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar,” Hastings United wrote in a statement on social media. We will always remember Billy’s time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family, friends at this time.”

Isthmian League Premier Division will hold a minute of silence before all games this weekend and players will wear black armbands in honor of Vigar.