The football community is in mourning following the tragic death of Macclesfield FC forward Ethan McLeod. The 21-year-old lost his life in a car accident on Tuesday night while driving home from an away fixture.
A Tragic Journey Home
Ethan McLeod was returning from his team's match at Bedford Town when the incident occurred. According to police reports, his vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle collision on the M1 motorway. The car is understood to have hit the nearside metal barrier. Emergency services attended, but McLeod was pronounced dead at the scene.
Club Pays Tribute to a Rising Star
Macclesfield FC confirmed the devastating news in an emotional statement released on Wednesday. The club described McLeod as an "incredibly talented and well-respected" member of the squad who possessed an "infectious personality".
"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," the statement began. It continued, "Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life."
A Club United in Grief
The non-league side expressed the profound impact of the loss on everyone connected to the club. "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 tribute concluded.
The accident, which took place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, is not being treated as suspicious by the authorities. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
