Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (foto: Getty Images)
The family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the late owner of Leicester City Football Club, has filed a £2.15 billion ($2.65 billion) lawsuit against Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo SpA in connection with the 2018 helicopter crash that claimed his life.
The lawsuit, lodged in a London court, seeks damages for loss of earnings and other compensation, making it the largest fatal accident claim in English history, according to the family’s statement.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who purchased Leicester City in 2010 and oversaw the club’s historic Premier League title win in 2016, was killed in October 2018 when his Leonardo AW169 helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from King Power Stadium.
The crash also claimed the lives of pilot Eric Swaffer, his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz, and two of Srivaddhanaprabha’s staff members, Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare.
A 2023 report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that the crash resulted from a tail rotor failure, leaving the pilot unable to recover control of the aircraft.
Leonardo, however, maintained that its AW169 helicopters complied with all regulatory requirements and remained safe to fly. The company has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Srivaddhanaprabha’s death was a monumental loss for Leicester City, where he was beloved by fans for his commitment to the club and community. His leadership played a pivotal role in transforming the team into Premier League champions.