The soccer world is mourning the loss of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after the Leicester City owner was killed in a helicopter crash on Saturday.
Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, was one of five people killed in the crash shortly after departing King Power Stadium after attending his club’s game.
The late team owner leaves a lasting legacy in the Leicester community, both on and off the pitch.
Away from the game, the Thai billionaire businessman and founder/owner of King Power Duty Free, leaves a legacy of generosity. According to the New York Times, Srivaddhanaprabha donated millions to various charities and institutions in and around the city to directly help those in the community. He also often treated fans to free drinks and food at games, among other simple acts for those making the trip to see the Foxes play.
On the pitch, he transformed a struggling franchise from a tier-two team when he purchased the club in 2010 to the most unlikely of Premier League champions to top off a Cinderella 2015-16 season as sports’ greatest underdog story.
Tributes have been pouring in, both in person at King Power Stadium and online, which give a glimpse into what Srivaddhanaprabha brought to the game. Here’s how various members of the Premier League community are remembering him:
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
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 pic.twitter.com/vJmksNjFf5
— James Maddison (@Madders10) October 28, 2018
My condolences to everyone at @LCFC although a brief spell you could see the vision from the moment I landed. Obviously this was a vision the staff, fans and Vichai made work to perfection. All I can say is he passed away somewhere he loved and brought a smile to his face. pic.twitter.com/2bLQUeJqPA
— Patrick van Aanholt (@pvanaanholt) October 29, 2018
— Ben Chilwell (@BenChilwell) October 28, 2018
Devastated.
A generous, kind man who always had a smile on his face. Always believed in us and never stop supporting us. I’d like to Thank You for helping me and everyone involved with the club including the fans achieve such amazing things. Dreams.
RIP, #TheBoss pic.twitter.com/N3avlRe60J— DG7 (@22Demarai) October 28, 2018
I have no words to express the sadness today. My deepest condolences to everyone in @LCFC.
I am very grateful to our chairman for the treatment and affection since I arrived.He was a very great man.
Sin palabras.Día muy triste para toda la familia del Leicester. DEP.#TheBoss pic.twitter.com/iQCGGhNi4p— Vicente Iborra (@Iborra_Vicente) October 28, 2018
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 pic.twitter.com/66aGjGGwX9
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 28, 2018
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
97.5k Likes, 1,031 Comments – Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) on Instagram: “Struggling to find the right words….but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the…”
One of the best person I’ve ever met . I will never forget you . Rest In Peace Vichai
374k Likes, 2,457 Comments – RM26 (@riyadmahrez26.7) on Instagram: “One of the best person I’ve ever met . I will never forget you . Rest In Peace Vichai”