As we approach the anniversary of a tragedy that will live with our supporters forever, five loved members of the Leicester City family will be remembered on Tuesday night (24 October) at our Sky Bet Championship fixture against Sunderland at King Power Stadium (KO 8pm).
Friday 27 October will mark five years since the helicopter accident that claimed the lives of our late Chairman, Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha; staff members Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai; and pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz, as they departed King Power Stadium following a home game against West Ham United.
As our closest home fixture to the anniversary, Tuesday night’s game will see supporters invited to join together for a moment of reflection ahead of kick-off, to remember the five lives lost and to celebrate Khun Vichai’s enduring legacy.
Prior to the match, fans are invited to pay their respects at the VS Memorial Garden, which will be open from 10am until full-time. The garden, located at the scene of the accident in the stadium site’s south-east corner, is a tranquil spot dedicated to reflection and includes a display of personal tributes left by supporters in the days that followed the tragedy. Its planting scheme has been fed by floral tributes left over the last five years, including those that carpeted the stadium site with love in October 2018.
Shortly before kick-off, both sets of supporters will be invited to take part in a minute’s applause, which represents an opportunity for the Leicester City family to show its appreciation and respect. A special clap banner has also been designed for the occasion and will be available from collection points throughout the stadium, with further tributes to be included in the fixture’s Matchday Programme.
Fans will have the opportunity to support the Club’s ongoing charitable work in Khun Vichai’s name, with a limited range of products on-sale from the Foxes Fanstore, net proceeds from the sale of which will be donated in full to the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation.
The charitable foundation, renamed in our late Chairman's honour following his passing, continues to embody his spirit by funding various community projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of people in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The Foxes Fanstore will be open from 10am until kick-off and then for 45 minutes after the final whistle on the matchday.
