Van Nistelrooy Responds to Leicester City Owners’ £2.1bn Lawsuit Over Helicopter Tragedy
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has broken his silence on the ongoing legal battle surrounding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the club’s former chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others. The owners of Leicester City, the Srivaddhanaprabha family, have filed a £2.1bn lawsuit against the manufacturer and other parties involved in the incident that occurred in October 2018.
The lawsuit alleges negligence in the design and maintenance of the helicopter, which crashed outside the King Power Stadium after a match. The Srivaddhanaprabha family is seeking compensation for the loss of Vichai, who was highly regarded for his contributions to the club’s success, and for the emotional and financial impact on the family and the club.
Van Nistelrooy, who has been with the club since 2024, expressed his condolences and support for the Srivaddhanaprabha family. “The loss of Vichai was a moment of profound sorrow for the entire club and its supporters,” he said. “I can’t begin to imagine the pain and the hardship the family has gone through, and I stand with them as they seek justice for what happened.”
The lawsuit has garnered significant attention, with legal experts speculating about the implications for the aviation industry and the responsibility of manufacturers in such tragedies. The proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming months, and the case is already being described as one of the most high-profile legal battles in the UK in recent years.
The crash, which occurred shortly after Leicester’s 1-1 draw against West Ham, remains a deeply emotional subject for the club and its fans. Many have paid tribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, remembering his legacy of generosity and the pivotal role he played in the club’s Premier League triumph in 2016.
As the case continues, Van Nistelrooy’s comments reflect the broader sentiment at Leicester City, where the memory of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha remains a lasting influence on the team and its supporters.
