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The owner of Leicester City, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, died Saturday night in the helicopter crash in front of the club's stadium, the club confirmed Sunday night.
He was one of five people killed – all aboard the helicopter – when the accident occurred about an hour after the Leicester draw at home against West Ham United. The Thai owner's helicopter crashed near a parking lot near the southeast corner of the stadium shortly after taking off from the ground around 8:20 pm.
"It's with a deep regret and a broken heart that we confirm our president. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of the people who tragically lost their lives on Saturday night when a helicopter carrying him with four other people crashed in front of King Power Stadium. "None of the five people aboard survived," reads a statement from the club.
"Everyone thinks of the club, it is with the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all who are on board at this time of unspeakable loss.In Khun Vichai, the world has lost a great man. a man of kindness, generosity and a man whose life was defined by the love that he has devoted to his family and to those whom he has directed so successfully. Leicester City was a family under his direction.It is as family that we will regret his pbading and maintain the vision of the club that is now his legacy. "
Although the official identification of the other four pbadengers n & # 39; It has not yet taken place, the Leicestershire police have appointed them. as Nursara Suknamai and Kavebad Punpare, two Vichai staff members, pilot Eric Swaffer and pbadenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducts the investigation of the accident and a cordon remains in place during investigations.
"This is an extremely tragic incident in which five people would have lost their lives," said Superintendent Steve Potter. "Emergency services were immediately on the scene when the accident occurred. They strove to extinguish the fire and access the helicopter in an attempt to reach those who were in the interior. Despite these efforts, there were no survivors. "
Vichai, one of Thailand's richest men, buys Leicester City in 2010 and celebrates six years later one of the greatest accomplishments of English football when his club wins the Premier League.
"A The book of condolences, which will be shared with the Srivaddhanaprabha family, will be opened at King Power Stadium from 8 am on Tuesday, October 30, for supporters wishing to be honorable," added the club's statement. "Supporters unable to travel to King Power Stadium wishing to leave a message can do so through an online book of condolences, which will be available via lcfc.com in due course."
The club has confirmed that Tuesday's match against Southampton in the EFL Cup and the match of the development team against Feyenoord in the International Premier League Cup were postponed.The club added: "Everyone at the club has been really touched by the remarkable response of the football family, whose thoughtful messages of support and solidarity have been deeply appreciated in this difficult time. "
" It's just awful ": Leicester City L fans in shock after the fall of the helicopter from their owner – video
The 60-year-old man, a very popular figure in Leicester, normally leaves in his Augusta AW169 helicopter after his home matches. Saturday, he had to go to Luton airport, then take his private jet to Thailand.
Witnesses report that, on Saturday, the helicopter had just cleaned the pit roof, remained in the air briefly and spiraled to the ground after apparently developing a failure of its rotor. tail.
A huge fireball burst and air felt burning fuel in the hours following the accident. Emergency services rushed to the scene to fight the fire and search the wreckage. The area was eventually cordoned off by Leicestershire police.
The helicopter crashed on club-owned land and landed near the E car park, used by Leicester staff. . The site was empty at the time.
Members of the public went to the stadium to pay tribute on Sunday. Players in Sunday's Premier League match wore a black armband as a sign of respect. The minutes of silence were held at Manchester United and Burnley and a minute of applause, in tribute, was held at Crystal Palace. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, vice president of Leicester and son of Vichai, went on Sunday to the United Kingdom from Thailand. Leicestershire police demanded public patience as crash investigators took control of the site.
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