Ex-Bournemouth star prospect Jordan Chiedozie has been left fighting for his life in a coma after being involved in a horror crash while changing his tyre.
The current 30-year-old Bashley FC player in Southern League 1 had been travelling back from the weekend defeat at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor when they sustained a flat tyre on the M27. Chiedozie was hit by another vehicle as he investigated the issue, with the forward being rushed to hospital, reports the Mirror.
Bashley shared details of the tragic incident in a club statement. The statement read: “Everyone connected with Bashley Football Club is devastated by the news that our player Jordan Chiedozie is currently in hospital with what is described as ‘life-changing, and potentially life-threatening’ injuries, after a serious car crash.
“Jordan was travelling back from Saturday’s Southern League match at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, when they pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the M27 near Southampton, to investigate a flat tyre. They were both outside the vehicle when it was hit heavily from behind by another car. The driver of that vehicle has been arrested for alleged ‘drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving‘.
“Jordan was taken to Southampton Hospital suffering multiple broken bones and other physical injuries. At this time he remains in a controlled coma. Reighan was not hurt physically, but obviously has suffered severe trauma. She was able to use her skills to provide immediate, although in such circumstances, very basic, first aid to Jordan at the scene.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Jordan and his family, and of course with Reighan, at what is a difficult time for all connected with Bashley FC. In view of the seriousness of the situation the club has applied to the Southern League to have Tuesday’s scheduled home match against Thatcham Town, postponed. The Southern League have respectfully agreed with the request.”
Chiedozie came through the ranks at Bournemouth after joining their academy in 2007. He has been something of a journeyman since breaking into senior football, having had spells at more than 15 clubs.
Bashley boss David Lewis sent Chiedozie his prayers and revealed his team-mates had been left devastated. Lewis said: “Everyone at the club is completely stunned by what happened, and our thoughts at the moment are far more with Jordan and his family, and with Reighan, than they are with football.
“Jordan’s team-mates are understandingly in bits and I am certain would not want to play so soon after this terrible accident, and in such circumstances I would certainly not want to give a team-talk. Therefore we have applied for Tuesday’s match to be postponed. We are in close touch with Jordan’s immediate family, and will do all that we can to support them at this awful time.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.