Leicester City: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha dies in a helicopter crash

Fears were confirmed: the owner of Leicester City, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was killed in a helicopter crash in the English football league stadium. In the crash Saturday night, five people were killed, the club announced Sunday night on Twitter. Among the dead, there were two women – a pilot and a colleague of the billionaire.

"It is with deep regret and heartbroken that we must confirm that our Executive Committee, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, is one of those who tragically lost their lives," the statement said. "None of the five people on board survived." About the identity of the other deceased, the club initially did not receive any additional information.

Hundreds of people had dropped flowers, fan shawls and jerseys the day after the helicopter crash at the English Premier League club in Leicester City. The mourning fans cried and comforted each other. "The thoughts of everyone in the club go mainly to the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of those who were on board at the time of this unbearable loss," he said. "With Srivaddhanaprabha, the world has" lost a great man ".

The club president's helicopter crashed into a parking lot next to the stadium on Saturday night, shortly after he left the field, and ignited. Being part of the helicopter ritual was part of the ritual of home club matches. The helicopter, painted in blue and white club colors, lands regularly in the central circle.

The cause of the accident is not yet known. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden stop of the tail rotor shortly after takeoff of the helicopter into the stadium. The machine then turned like a top and crashed uncontrollably. The experts also badumed a tail rotor failure.

Police tweeted Sunday, investigations continued. In addition, experts from the Air Traffic Authority, the AAIB, participated in the investigation of the accident.

Tuesday, Leicester City should play a game against Southampton in League Cup. The match has been canceled. That day, a book of condolences should be deposited in the stadium.

Srivaddhanaprabha was extremely popular among the supporters of Leicester City. In August 2010, he had bought the second division at the time. In February 2011, he badumed the duties of president of the football club. His son Aiyawatt became vice president. Thanks to their considerable investments, they have contributed to Leicester's sporting boom. During the 2013/2014 season, the club celebrated its first return to the Premier League table.

After winning the title in the 2015/2016 season, Srivaddhanaprabha made a promise and presented 19 players with luxury cars worth around £ 100,000 (about € 130,000). On his birthday, he regularly donated beer and cakes to stadium supporters.

One year after the takeover, the 61-year-old father of four has renamed the Leicester Stadium and since then King Power Stadium, named after the Srivaddhanaprabha Travel Company.