Leicester City Director Shares Heartbreaking Moments After Helicopter Crash
Leicester City’s director recalls the frantic moments following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed several lives, including the chairman.
Leicester, UK, Helicopter Crash, Khun Vichai, Football, Tragedy
Leicester: It was a chaotic scene after the helicopter crash. The director of football, Jonathan Rudkin, described how he felt when he saw the helicopter spin out of control just after takeoff from King Power Stadium.
He was in the tunnel, shouting for medics, trying to get help as quickly as possible. It was a tense moment, and he knew something was seriously wrong. Just moments before, he had been watching the game with Khun Vichai, the chairman.
Rudkin remembered how they walked to the helicopter together. Khun Vichai always had a friendly wave and a thumbs-up before leaving. But this time, things took a tragic turn.
After the helicopter took off, Rudkin noticed it started to spin. He thought it was strange and quickly ran to alert everyone. He was desperate to get help, not knowing where the helicopter would land.
He jumped in his car and drove as close to the crash site as he could. The sight of the flames was heartbreaking. It was a devastating moment for everyone involved.
During the inquest, Rudkin shared how Khun Vichai had a huge impact on the club and the city. He invested in the academy, giving young players a chance to follow their dreams. That was the kind of person he was.
The investigation revealed that a small mechanical failure caused the crash. A bearing had broken, leading to a loss of control. The pilot, Eric Swaffer, did everything he could to manage the situation, but it was too late.
It’s a tragic reminder of how quickly things can change. The memories of that day still linger, and the community continues to honor those who lost their lives.