Ethan McLeod dies at 21: Former Premier League footballer and Macclesfield forward killed in M1 crash
Macclesfield FC has announced the sad death of 21-year-old player Ethan McLeod who died after a crash travelling home from a game.
Former Premier League rising football star Ethan McLeod - who played as a forward for Macclesfield - has died in a car crash on his way back from a game. The 21-year-old was heading home after an away match against Bedford on Tuesday night (December 16) when the incident occurred, on the M1 motorway.
The tragic news was confirmed after the National League North match by Macclesfield FC, who said: "(It is) 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.
"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 former Wolves youngster signed for Macclesfield - known as the Silkmen - in the summer after a successful trial. He left the Wolverhampton club in September last year after a decade rising through the ranks of the academy.
Wolves also paid tribute to McLeod, and will hold a minute's silence before Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford. The club said: "We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod at the age of 21. Ethan joined the Wolves Academy at seven-years-old and went on to sign professional terms at the club, before leaving in September 2024.
"We are sending our thoughts and love to Ethan’s family, friends and everyone at Macclesfield. Ethan’s younger brother Conor is currently in our under-21 squad and the whole club will be providing care and support to him and his family. We will observe a minute’s silence at Saturday’s first-team fixture against Brentford, to remember and honour Ethan."
Tributes followed from the likes of the Professional Footballers’ Association, which said: "This is such tragic news. The thoughts of everyone at the PFA are with Ethan’s family, friends, team-mates and loved ones. Rest In Peace, Ethan."