Macclesfield FC forward Ethan McLeod has died in a motorway smash following the side’s game last night (December 16). The 21-year-old was driving back from the Silkmen’s National League North match against Bedford on Tuesday night when the incident occurred on the M1.
Macclesfield said in a statement on the club website: “(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.”
McLeod signed for Macclesfield this summer after a successful trial, having previously spent a decade in the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy before leaving the club last September. He made his debut for Macclesfield in their league game against Chorley in September and had scored two goals in four appearances.
Wolves paid tribute to McLeod in a post on X and announced they will hold a minute’s silence at Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford. The club wrote: “We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Ethan McLeod at the age of 21.
“Ethan joined @WolvesAcademy 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.”
Messages of condolence flooded in from the football world, with the Professional Footballers’ Association posting in a message on X: “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.”
The motorway was shut for several hours following the tragedy. In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said: “Witnesses are being sought after a driver sadly died following a single-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway of the M1, near junction 15.
“At about 10.40pm on Tuesday, December 16, the driver of a white Mercedes car for unknown reason was in collision with the nearside metal barrier. Despite the efforts of members of the public and officers from Northamptonshire Police, the driver – a man in his 20s from the West Midlands – was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit would like to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam footage that captured any part of the collision.”