Bashley footballer Jordan Chiedozie has been placed in an induced coma after being struck by a car on the M27 motorway while changing a tyre, his club confirmed. The incident occurred late on Saturday night as Chiedozie, 30, was returning from a match with the club’s physio.
The collision happened at approximately 22:30 GMT between junctions 2 and 3 eastbound when a silver Mercedes SLK collided with Chiedozie’s stationary VW Golf on the hard shoulder. A 44-year-old woman from Wraysbury, Berkshire, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving above the legal alcohol limit and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated that Chiedozie sustained “life-changing and potentially life-threatening injuries,” including multiple broken bones and other significant physical trauma. His club, Southern League side Bashley, expressed devastation over the news.
Bashley manager David Lewis said the club had been left “completely stunned” by the incident, adding that Chiedozie’s teammates were “in bits” upon hearing of his condition.
Chiedozie, who began his professional career at AFC Bournemouth, was travelling back to Hampshire from Bashley’s match against Tavistock when the accident occurred. The club’s physio, Reighan Taylor, was also in the car but escaped without physical injury. However, the club noted that she had suffered “severe trauma” from the event.
In a statement, Bashley FC commended Taylor for her quick actions in providing first aid to Chiedozie at the scene. “She was able to use her skills to provide immediate – although in such circumstances very basic – first aid to Jordan at the scene,” the statement read.
Bashley chairman Steve Lewis voiced the club’s collective heartbreak. “Our Bashley football family are heartbroken by this news and still trying to come to terms with the tragic events that occurred after our game on Saturday,” he said. “We are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes.”
In light of the incident, the club’s scheduled home match against Thatcham Town has been postponed.
Hampshire police confirmed that the arrested woman remains in custody while inquiries continue. Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to come forward.
The news has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, with fans and fellow players taking to social media to send messages of support for Chiedozie’s recovery.
Bashley FC has pledged to provide updates on Chiedozie’s condition as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, the club remains united in supporting their player and Taylor as they process the traumatic incident.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
