English football pay tribute after Macclesfield player Ethan McLeod dies aged 21 travelling back from the match at Bedford Town.
The promising young footballer, who came through the Wolves academy, lost his life in a devastating motorway crash as he made his way home from the Silkmen’s 2-1 win on Tuesday night.
His white Mercedes colliding with a barrier near junction 15 on the M1 near Northampton at roughly 22:40 on Tuesday and after receiving help from members of the public and officers, he died at the scene.
The M1 northbound carriageway was shut for more than eight hours before the road reopened at approximately 7.30am. Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or further information to contact them.
Our deepest condolences, warm wishes and love are sent to all at @thesilkmen at this tragic news. We join the Non League community in mourning the loss of Ethan, following our game at the Eyrie last night. https://t.co/Eh67PPxlsk
— Bedford Town FC (@BedfordTown) December 17, 2025
MACCLESFIELD STATEMENT:
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.
In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days.
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.
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… pic.twitter.com/5rkirPcM33
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 17, 2025
WOLVES STATEMENT:
“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. 💛”
A statement from Northamptonshire Police: “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.”
National Highways said via social media: “Investigation, recovery and clear-up work is complete and the M1 is OPEN northbound between J14 (Milton Keynes) and J15 (Northampton). Traffic flowing well in the area. Safe travels this morning.”
Anyone with information is asked to email CollisionAppeals@northants.police.uk or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 25000734866.
As mentioned, English football pay tribute after Macclesfield player Ethan McLeod dies aged 21 travelling back from Tuesday’s match…
@silkmenarmy: Well this is just unbearably sad news. That’s all that can really be said. Loss of life is horrible in all circumstances but this feels like a bitterly cruel loss. We will never know what would have happened in the life of Ethan McLeod but we will hold him in our hearts 🔵⚪️
@CrosenderWay: The thoughts of everyone at TCW are with Ethan’s friends, family and everyone at Macclesfield on this truly dark day. May Ethan rest in peace, and everyone affected find the strength and comfort they need in this unimaginably tough time.
@RHVlogs_: Tragic news. Sending my deepest condolences to Ethan’s friends, family and loved ones as well as everyone involved at Macclesfield FC at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace. 🕊️💙
@scottdavies1988: Absolutely heartbreaking. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you all, from everyone at @sloughtownfc 💙
@TomFrancey22: Horrific news, Rest in peace Ethan. Thoughts are with your family and friends and everyone associated with Macclesfield 💙
@Michell40175113: This is totally devastating news. My heart goes out to all those who are now grieving for this talented young man. Including myself, such a shock to read, no words can describe how I’m feeling right now. Sending condolences to all who knew him. R.I.P Ethan. 💐
@PaulWhiteGK1: RIP brother – so sad! Shared some good memories together last year 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
@RedheadSimon: This is truly sad and devastating for the family. I send my sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of knowing Ethan and his family for many years at Wolves and more recently Alvechurch. A better family you could not meet. Love and prayers.
@DJAllen04: Had the pleasure of working with Ethan when he was U10-U12 thoughts with his family.
Whatever happens in the career of Ethan McLeod he’ll always remember when he drilled in the winner for Macclesfield first team.
Great turn, shift and hit @ethanmcleod19 👏 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/j3gb8FQggs— Silkmen Army (@silkmenarmy) November 16, 2025
His name will be etched into the history books of our club forever.
We will be remembering Ethan at our home game against Leek Town on Saturday.
Our thoughts are with all of Ethan’s friends and family and Macclesfield FC at this tragic time.
RIP Ethan❤️ pic.twitter.com/XxGUH458lc
— Rushall Olympic FC (@ROFCOfficial) December 17, 2025
Ethan McLeod ensures progression in the Birmingham Senior Cup 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RdmIoXD6v6
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) November 18, 2023
Truly awful news. We send our deepest condolences to Ethan’s family and friends and everyone at Macclesfield.
Rest in peace, Ethan 💛
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) December 17, 2025
Our thoughts are with Ethan’s family, friends and all those at Macclesfield at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Ethan ❤️
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) December 17, 2025
Former Wolves academy player Ethan McLeod has tragically passed after been involved in a car accident last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ethan’s family and friends. ❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/435psEfhei
— 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐅𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊™️ (@Wolfpackwwfc) December 17, 2025
Our thoughts are with Ethan’s family, friends and everyone associated with Macclesfield at this very sad time.
Rest in peace, Ethan ❤️💙
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 17, 2025
A loss that is difficult to comprehend, and on behalf of @telfordutd we send our heartfelt condolences to Ethan’s family, friends and those connected to the Silkmen. Ethan’s passing reminds us how fragile life can be; we hope football’s comradeship can be of comfort to you all.
— AFC Telford United (@telfordutd) December 17, 2025
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ethan’s family and friends, and with everyone at Macclesfield during this difficult time.
— Darlington FC (@Official_Darlo) December 17, 2025
Everyone at Southend United is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Ethan’s family, friends, and all at Macclesfield FC.
Rest in peace, Ethan 💙
— Southend United FC (@SUFCRootsHall) December 17, 2025
This is unbearably sad news.
Ethan scored the decisive goal in our FA Trophy clash at Moss Rose last month.
Our thoughts are with Ethan’s family and friends as well as his teammates and all connected with @thesilkmen. 💛🖤Rest in Peace, Ethan 🕊
— Prescot Cables FC (@PrescotCablesFC) December 17, 2025
