Team-mate of late Billy Vigar reveals Chichester City have been left 'traumatised' by fatal accident that killed ex-Arsenal academy product

Vigar was in action for Chichester City in an Isthmian League Premier Division clash against Wingate and Finchley on September 20, when he crashed into a concrete wall. The tragedy happened just 13 minutes into the match as Vigar tried to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line. Multiple ambulances and an air ambulance arrived at the venue and he was immediately taken to a hospital. The 21-year-old was placed into an induced coma and underwent surgery but unfortunately, his life could not be saved as he passed away.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Vigar's team-mate and goalkeeper Kieran Magee described the incident, saying: "It’s still very raw as to what we saw. An absolute freak accident, he’s collided with the concrete wall around the perimeter of the pitch. It was past the goal-line so at the end of the pitch. For the whole team that were playing at the time, not just us but the Wingate and Finchley players as well, it’s a traumatic memory for us. 

"There were a few guys that stayed with him, and the physios from both clubs. There were a couple members of the crowd who were medically trained and came over, too. The paramedics turned up extremely quickly and took over from there. ‘We were with him until we couldn’t be. We knew it was serious very quickly. ‘It’s going to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind for a long, long time going forward."

The stopper added: "The kind of character he was, it felt like he had been here forever. His old team-mates feel exactly the same wherever he has been before. He was a really humble young lad. He’s had a lot of knockbacks in his career, he was really coming out of his shell and bonding with everyone. He was the most kind, normal bloke you could meet. He was just enjoying his football. He was a full-blooded player. He gave everything to every ball, never stopped running. You could see he was enjoying it."

The non-league club have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Vigar's grief-stricken family. The GoFundMe campaign statement read: "Please give what you can and show the strength of the football community when we come together for one of our own. Rest in peace, Billy. You will never be forgotten."

Arsenal paid tribute to their former academy players as Gunners stars wore a black armband as a mark of respect during their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday at St James' Park.