Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed on their official website on Wednesday that former English forward Ethan McLeod, who came through their youth academy, had tragically passed away in a car accident at the young age of 21.

According to Wolves' obituary, McLeod was killed on Tuesday (December 16th) after playing in a National League North (non-league step 2) match against Bedford Town, when he was involved in a fatal accident on the M1 motorway.

The entire club is deeply saddened by McLeod's passing and extends its sincerest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends. The club will also provide all emotional support to his younger brother, Conor, who is also a player and currently plays in the Wolves' youth academy.

Wolverhampton Wanderers request that the family be given some privacy during this difficult time.

In addition, to commemorate the untimely death of McLeod, Wolves have decided to hold a minute's silence before their Premier League match against Brentford this weekend.

Regarding the tragic passing of McLeod, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Director of Academy Jon Hunter-Barrett said: "Everyone of us at the club and the academy are deeply saddened to learn of Ethan's passing. He spent a long time with us, and his brother Conor is now part of our team, so we are incredibly saddened for Conor and his family."

"At this time, we respect his family's privacy, but we will support them in every way possible. We will be there for them and Conor, as they are an integral part of our club."

"No one speaks ill of Ethan. He was kind-hearted, very caring, and considerate. He was a very talented young man who got along well with everyone in the academy, staff, and players because of his friendly personality."

"Ethan was a very talented footballer. He suffered some injuries later in his time at Wolves, but as a young player, he progressed rapidly, representing England's youth national team and playing for Wolves. He played for teams at all age levels."

"We once again extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Conor and Ethan, and to everyone who worked with him, as this tragic news is equally devastating for them."

About Ethan McLeod

McLeod was born on April 1, 2004, in Birmingham, England. He was 1.75 meters tall and primarily played as a right winger, but can also play as a left winger or center forward. His younger brother, Conor, plays as an attacking midfielder. Both men are of Jamaican descent.

McLeod joined Wolverhampton Wanderers' youth academy at the age of 10 and began playing for their U21s team in 2023.

The following January, McLeod was loaned-out to non-league club, Alvechurch.

After returning to the club from his loan spell in the summer of 2024, McLeod, failing to secure a first-team promotion, resolutely left Wolverhampton Wanderers, joining non-league club Rushall Olympic and Stoubridge, a club not far from his hometown of Birmingham.

This summer, after his contract expired, McLeod joined Macclesfield, a club that had been a stable force in League Two for many years but was now facing financial difficulties and bankruptcy, forcing them to start afresh in the non-league.

Plagued by persistent injuries, McLeod only made three appearances for the Silkmen in all competitions this season, and his goal against King's Lynn Town in October tragically became his last.