Leicester City confirms chairman Vichai died in plane crash
Mr. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five people killed on October 27, in a helicopter crash outside King Power Stadium.
"It is with the greatest regret and pain that we confirm that Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five victims in the helicopter crash on Saturday 27 October. None of them survived," the announcement on Leicester City's homepage said.
Vichai, who helped Leicester win the Premier League in 2015-2016, bought the Foxes for more than $50 million in 2010, when the team was still in the First Division and had a huge debt from the time of former owner Milan Mandaric. Leicester said, "these losses are too great" and "the world has lost a great man".
|
Mr Vichai died aged 60, eight years after becoming Leicester City boss. |
The helicopter crash occurred at 8:30 p.m. local time, about 90 minutes after the 1-1 draw between Leicester and West Ham in round 10 of the Premier League. Chairman Vichai was present in the stands at King Power Stadium to cheer on his team.
The crash site was the car park outside the King Power Stadium. Two police officers were present at the scene and rushed to the scene but were unable to break the plane's door. Afterwards, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and Leicester staff ran out of the King Power Stadium but were forced to retreat because of the fire and loud explosions.
Leicester said they will open an online memorial book at 8am on Tuesday, October 30 (local time) for all fans to write words of gratitude and remembrance of the late Chairman Vichai. The "Foxes" also revealed that the team's upcoming match against Southampton in the League Cup will be postponed.
|
Mr. Vichai with the Premier League championship in the 2015-2016 season. Photo: PA. |
Leicester said in a statement: "The club is a family under the leadership of Mr Vichai. It is with great sadness that we cannot continue to pursue the vision of the club without him." The King Power club also said they were "heartened by the response from the football family" to the event, and that "the messages of support and solidarity are greatly appreciated at this difficult time for the club".
The UK's Airline Investigation Branch (AAIB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Director General Steve Potter said: "This is an incredible incident. Emergency services attended the scene immediately to extinguish the fire and reach those inside the aircraft. However, there were no survivors."
