Football has entered a sad moment. It was the news everyone dreaded to hear, but Leicester sadly confirmed the passing away of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The Foxes owner tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash which occurred shortly after the club's weekend game. The Thai billionaire left the King Power Stadium in Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Ham in his aircraft before it crashed near a car park.
Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five people onboard the helicopter involved in the fatal incident. It was confirmed late on Sunday that there were no survivors.
Upon confirmation, tributes immediately began pouring in for the former Leicester owner. The Premier League outfit led the condolences on social media, sending out their thoughts and prayers to his family.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 28, 2018
Having bought the Foxes back in 2010, Vichai was responsible for clearing the club's debt en route to their English top-flight promotion. It was here that the team enjoyed cult success, remarkably winning the Premier League title in 2015/16 despite being a 5,000/1 outsider.
The billionaire is credited for being the catalyst of that fairytale success. A number of the players at the heart of that title-winning season paid their respect, with Kante and Mahrez, two men who went on to leave the club, sharing Leicester's tweet.
The hashtag #TheBoss was trending shortly and was widely used by several King Power Stadium aces. However, the tributes were not limited to affiliates of Leicester, as the likes of Chelsea, Valencia, and the UK Prime Minister paid their respect.
You were far too kind and supportive. Thank you for all you did for the club, for always encouraging the team and coming all the way to watch me play at the world cup. Rest on sir #theboss pic.twitter.com/RY3fjz3TLD
— Ndidi Wilfred (@Ndidi25) October 28, 2018
Words can't describe how I feel. A truly great, kind, loving man who will be missed so much by everyone.
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 28, 2018
I will never forget the Chairman's support, not only during my time @LCFC but also during the World Cup RIP #TheBoss pic.twitter.com/66aGjGGwX9
— Wes Morgan (@Wes5L1nk) October 28, 2018
— Kasper Schmeichel (@kschmeichel1) October 28, 2018
"It's the small things that endeared him to the people of Leicester"
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) October 28, 2018
A fitting tribute from @arlowhite on the 'incredible bond' between @LCFC owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and fans. pic.twitter.com/MgNmTkKtyH
"My thoughts are with those family, friends and supporters connected to the tragic crash outside Leicester City's stadium on Saturday night. The outpouring of grief is a testament to how many people's lives were touched by those on board." - PM @Theresa_May
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) October 29, 2018
A man that enabled a true football fairytale to occur. Rest in peace, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. #LFC pic.twitter.com/6bIXbFvuiB
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) October 28, 2018
Sunrise at the King Power stadium. The morning after Leicester City's darkest day, and the blanket of floral tributes continues to grow here after the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha & 4 others in a helicopter crash was confirmed last night pic.twitter.com/oELNr3N33V
— Dan Roan (@danroan) October 29, 2018
Our sincere condolences are with the family and friends of the owner and president of @lcfc, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and all those who have tragically lost their lives, as well as with everyone connected with Leicester City. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8wl5n7flVc
— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) October 28, 2018
RIP Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) October 28, 2018
The man that made everything possible for Leicester City pic.twitter.com/QhB2I7cUX0
The deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts of all at the Premier League go to the Srivaddhanaprabha family and all the relatives and friends of those involved in this tragic accident
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 28, 2018
Full statement: https://t.co/ZyR9WdQ1LB pic.twitter.com/5eoebuSJ96
A truly sad day for football. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who tragically passed away. #LCFC
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) October 28, 2018
This is truly heart breaking, sending all my love and thoughts to everyone at @LCFC and especially Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's family what you created and achieved will never be forgotten a true hero has been lost https://t.co/Utu7VpcVMI
— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) October 28, 2018
Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of five people at Leicester City on Saturday, including the club's chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2018
Our thoughts at this sad time are with all those affected. https://t.co/bHmIuHgXiS
The picture that best summed up the emotion of everyone was that of the club's altered emblem with tears running down the fox's cheek. The team's League Cup clash with Southampton on Tuesday has been postponed due to this tragedy.
