Former Kenya U23 star Henry Ochieng has asked for stricter pitch regulations to be observed following the tragic death of former Arsenal youngster, Billy Vigar.

Vigar, a 22-year-old former Arsenal youth star, tragically passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, barely a week after being placed in an induced coma after suffering a head injury on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Following the incident, his club, Chichester City, released the following statement about the youngster.

Club’s statement

“Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care, receiving the best possible treatment. It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery. Get well soon, Billy,” the club stated.

His death on Thursday sparked discussions on pitch safety in lower leagues, including calls for stricter regulations on perimeter barriers.

England-based Ochieng has been among the players to add to the calls.

Ochieng, who currently plays for Slough Town FC in the fifth tier of the English league, called for stricter regulations for surrounding barriers around pitches to be looked at to avoid future fatal incidents.

“Regulations for surrounding barriers around pitches need to be put in place. Simple. RIP Billy,” the player said in his tribute to Billy.

Following his death, a devastated Billy’s family released the following statement through his club to the public.

‘After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in 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 (25th) morning.
The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family is devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.’

About Vigar

Born on October 22, 2003, in Worthing, England, the powerful and versatile centre-forward joined Arsenal’s youth setup at age 14 and lasted until 2024, having made loan moves in and out of the club.

In a tragic incident, he suffered a significant brain injury after colliding with a concrete wall near the pitch in a match that was abandoned after 13 minutes on September 20, 2025.

Despite being placed in an induced coma and undergoing surgery three days later, Billy sadly passed away on September 25, 2025.