Leicester City marks third anniversary of helicopter crash at King Power Stadium

People in Leicester lay flowers at the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden and pay tribute to those who died in the helicopter crash


Leicester City players and fans will mark the third anniversary of a helicopter crash at King Power stadium ahead of the club's game against Brighton.

A crowd display and a minute's silence will take place before kick-off for the first home match to fall on the date since 2018.

Special events will also be taking place at the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden to remember five people - including Leicester City's chairman, who were killed in the incident.

Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was killed along with two members of staff - Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai - pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz in the helicopter crash after the match against West Ham on October 27 in 2018.

Five people were killed in the helicopter crash, including Leicester City's chairman Credit: ITV Central

The crash happened just over an hour after Leicester had drawn 1-1 against West Ham and was witnessed by many players, club executives and members of the press, who were still at the ground.

Due to the memorial services, the opening times at the garden today will be from 11am to 4:15pm and reopened again at 5pm until the match starts.

"Supporters are very much welcome to visit the garden during opening times should they wish to pay their respects and for a moment of quiet reflection," Leicester City Football Club said.

Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion kick off will kick-off at 7:45pm - with the two sides competing in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Leicester City Football Club have remembered those who died in the crash on the third anniversary.

In a statement, the club said: "Khun Vichai’s amazing legacy at Leicester City was defined by his belief in achieving the seemingly impossible – realised in the most incredible fashion when his team reached the top of the English football pyramid to lift a legendary Premier League title in 2016."

"That legacy continues to grow to this day, under Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha with the Football Club now the current FA Cup holders, playing in European competition, competing in the FA Women’s Super League and developing talent through one of the world’s best training facilities in Seagrave – a key part of the Srivaddhanaprabha family’s vision for the Club."

"Plans for the next phase of that vision – the expansion and development of the King Power Stadium site – have recently been shared with supporters and will be a cornerstone of the Club’s commitment to remaining an asset to the city and a force for good among its communities."

"The late Chairman’s commitment to supporting good causes in our communities is maintained by the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, which continues to work towards short and long-term solutions to help those in need throughout Leicestershire and beyond."