The England National League side Macclesfield has announced the death of footballer Ethan McLeod following a car accident.

The club said McLeod was returning home from a league match against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when the accident occurred.

“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism, Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday. 

“Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life.”

The club added, “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.”

According to the BBC, the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. near Northampton, when the white Mercedes driven by McLeod collided with a barrier on the M1 motorway.

McLeod began his football journey when he joined Wolves at the age of seven. He proceeded to feature for the club’s U-21 side but did not manage to register a first-team appearance. 

He enjoyed several loan spells, including with Alvechurch, Rushall Olympic, and Stourbridge, before joining Macclesfield in July this year after a successful trial at the club.