On 27 October, 2018, a helicopter accident at King Power Stadium tragically claimed the lives of Khun Vichai, staff members Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai, and pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz.
Ahead of hosting Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, the Foxes’ first team squad, led by Chief Executive Susan Whelan and manager Brendan Rodgers, laid flowers in tribute to the Club’s former patriarch before his 63rd birthday on 4 April.
After quiet reflections on the magical moments which were shared with Khun Vichai in the Memorial Garden, where bouquets of flowers were placed surrounding the tributes well, the squad’s attentions then turned to the 30th fixture of a promising 2020/21 league campaign.
Our dreams came true under the guidance of Khun Vichai – who believed in Leicester City’s potential to achieve impossible feats and to make a lasting impact in our community. The Foxes scaled English’s football pyramid and sat upon its apex as we celebrated being crowned as Premier League champions on those endless, sun-drenched days in May 2016.
While Khun Vichai’s chairmanship inspired on-field glories we never thought possible, we also remember his generosity of spirit and his unwavering love for the people of Leicester.
We remember the seven-figure donations to local causes, from his own pocket. The celebratory toasts we raised together, they are all occasions which we recall fondly following his tragic passing in 2018.
Inspired by Khun Vichai’s legacy and guided by Khun Top’s devoted leadership, Leicester City’s family of supporters, players and staff now stride into an exciting future together.
The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden is open to the general public during daylight hours and can be accessed behind the East Stand of King Power Stadium.