The world of football was sent into deep shock on Saturday when news broke that Leicester owner Srivaddhanaprabha’s helicopter had crashed outside the King Power Stadium.
The Thai businessman had been watching Leicester’s 1-1 draw with West Ham in the Premier League.
The aircraft lost control before plummeting into the staff car park where it was engulfed into flames.
Emergency services rushed to scene but there were sadly no survivors.
Srivaddhanaprabha will be remembered as a club legend who helped pull off a sporting miracle.
He took over the Foxes in 2010 and under his ownership they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2014.
Under Claudio Ranieri, the club defied 5000/1 odds to win the Premier League title in 2016.
Tributes from across the planet are pouring in.
Piers Morgan said on Twitter: “RIP Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The miracle man who brought the Premier League to @LCFC & was beloved by the club’s fans. How shockingly sad that he should die in such horrendous circumstances outside the stadium where he made an impossible dream come true.”
Leicester forward Jamie Vardy took to Instagram to pay tribute: “Struggling to find the right words….but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you…. may you rest in peace…#theboss.”
Andy King won the title with the Foxes, he added: “RIP Boss. You were a great person who cared so much about our club, city and everything which came with it. Thank you for enabling us to make our dreams a reality and I hope you were as proud of your club as we were of you. We will miss you.”
Harry Maguire said on Twitter: “Words can’t describe how I feel. A truly great, kind, loving man who will be missed so much by everyone.
“I will never forget the Chairman’s support, not only during my time @LCFC but also during the World Cup RIP #TheBoss.”
Wes Morgan, who lifted the Premier League trophy said on Twitter: “Absolutely heartbroken and devastated regarding the news of our chairman.
“A man that was loved and adored by everyone here at LCFC and someone who I personally had the upmost respect for.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and families of the other victims of this tragedy.”
Wilfred Ndidi scored the equaliser in the draw with West Ham.
Like everybody else, he has found the news hard to take.
He said: “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.”
Danny Simpson said: “Thank you for everything you have done for me, the players, the fans, the club and the whole city of Leicester. You made mine and everyone else’s dream come true. I am devastated and can’t quite process what has happened but we will do our best to help this club grow. RIP #TheBoss.”
Former Leicester striker Stan Collymore said: “Want to pass on my sincerest condolences to everyone at @LCFC on the loss of the owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and several others in the horrific helicopter crash yesterday. Brighter days will come again.”
James Maddison tweeted: “Devastated and heartbroken at the news that no one survived the helicopter crash yesterday. Life isn’t fair sometimes. A wonderful thoughtful man who lived and breathed Leicester City Football Club. Rest in Peace Boss #ThanksBoss”
Leicester City statement:
It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium. None of the five people on-board survived.
The primary thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all those on-board at this time of unspeakable loss.
In Khun Vichai, the world has lost a great man. A man of kindness, of generosity and a man whose life was defined by the love he devoted to his family and those he so successfully led. Leicester City was a family under his leadership. It is as a family that we will grieve his passing and maintain the pursuit of a vision for the Club that is now his legacy.
A book of condolence, which will be shared with the Srivaddhanaprabha family, will be opened at King Power Stadium from 8am on Tuesday 30 October for supporters wishing to pay their respects.
Supporters unable to visit King Power Stadium that wish to leave a message can do so through an online book of condolence, which will be made available via lcfc.com in due course.
Both Tuesday’s First Team fixture against Southampton in the EFL Cup and the Development Squad fixture against Feyenoord in the Premier League International Cup have been postponed.
Everyone at the Club has been truly touched by the remarkable response of the football family, whose thoughtful messages of support and solidarity have been deeply appreciated at this difficult time.