Prem membership to ‘present care’ for Ethan McLeod’s brother as footballer dies in horror crash
The brother of non-league footballer Ethan McLeod, who tragically died in a car crash travelling home from a match, will be ‘provided care’ by his Premier League club
A Premier League footballer whose brothe tragically died at the age of 21 in a car crash, will be ‘provided care’ by his club Wolves.
It was announced in a heartbreaking statement by Ethan McLeod’s club Macclesfield on Wednesday that the young talent was involved in a fatal crash while driving home from a match at Bedford Town in the National League North.
The crushing statement read: “With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod. Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
“Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal – but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.”
The attacker previously played for Premier League club Wolves, joining the Old Gold at the age of seven at the pre-academy stage. McLeod progressed through the youth ranks to sign a professional contract with the club in January 2023.
However, he left Wolves in September 2024, moving to Rushall Olympic and later Stourbridge before joining Macclesfield in the summer. He played seven times for the Silkmen, scoring three goals.
McLeod’s younger brother Conor, who turned 19 on Monday (December 15), plays in Wolves’ under-21 squad. The club paid tribute to Ethan in a statement of their own before academy director Jon Hunter-Barrett confirmed Conor and his family will be provided care and support.
It read: “We’re absolutely devastated as a club and academy with the news of Ethan’s passing. He was in our academy programme for a long time, and his brother Conor is on our books now, so we’re incredibly sad for Conor and his family.
“We’re respecting his family’s privacy at this moment in time, but we’ll support them in any way possible moving forward. We’ll be there for them and Conor, because they’re a massive part of our club.
“Nobody will have a bad word to say about Ethan. He had a warm heart and was incredibly caring and considerate. He was a talented young man, who got on well socially with everyone in the academy, staff and players, because he was such a loving character.
“Ethan was a talented footballer. He had injuries towards the end of his time here, but as a young player he developed early and progressed to representing England at youth level and played up the age groups at Wolves.
“Our thoughts go out to Conor, Ethan’s family and friends, and everyone at Macclesfield FC, because they’ll be devastated with the tragic news too.”
Wolves announced that a minutes’ silence will be held before the Premier League clash with Brentford at Molineux on Saturday.
