New Milton’s Bashley FC player Jordan Chiedozie, son of former Tottenham Hotspur footballer John Chiedozie, suffers life-changing injuries after crash on M27 near Ower
A FOOTBALLER for New Milton’s Bashley FC is in an induced coma after his broken down vehicle was struck by another on the M27 near Ower.
Jordan Chiedozie – who also had a stint at AFC Totton – suffered life-changing, and potentially life-threatening injuries, say police.
Paramedics and police responded to reports a silver Mercedes SLK struck a black Volkswagen Golf on the hard shoulder between junctions two (Ower) and three (Rownhams) around 10.30pm on Saturday.
Jordan – son of former Tottenham Hotspur footballer John Chiedozie – was travelling back from Saturday’s Southern League match at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor when they pulled over to investigate a flat tyre.
Bashley FC said in a statement everyone involved with the club was “devastated” by the news, adding Jordan had suffered multiple broken bones and other physical injuries and remained in an induced coma.
The spokesperson added: “Reighan was not hurt physically, but obviously has suffered severe trauma. She was able to use her skills to provide immediate, although in such circumstances, very basic, first aid to Jordan at the scene.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Jordan and his family, and of course with Reighan, at what is a difficult time for all connected with Bashley FC.”
The club confirmed it has been granted a postponement of tomorrow’s scheduled home match against Thatcham Town by the Southern League.
Bashley FC team manager David Lewis added: “Everyone at the club is completely stunned by what happened, and our thoughts at the moment are far more with Jordan and his family, and with Reighan, than they are with football.
“Jordan’s team-mates are understandingly in bits and I am certain would not want to play so soon after this terrible accident, and in such circumstances I would certainly not want to give a team-talk.
“We are in close touch with Jordon’s immediate family, and will do all that we can to support them at this awful time.”
Bashley FC chairman Steve Lewis added: “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. We are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes.”
A statement from AFC Totton said: “We are devastated to learn of the terrible injuries sustained by Jordan, a former AFC Totton player, as a result of a traffic accident on his journey home from a football match.
“Jordan was a popular member of the squad during his short time with us and now in light of these tragic events all out thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, friends and colleagues.
“We will endeavour to do all that we can – both as a club and as members of the wider footballing and New Forest communities – to engage in and bolster any efforts that we can make to support Jordan and Bashley Football Club in their time of need.”
Officers arrested a 44-year-old woman from Wraysbury, in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, on suspicion of drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was later bailed until 1st May.
Witnesses and those with useful dash cam footage are being urged to come forward as investigations into the collision continue.
A Hampshire force spokesperson said: “Do you recall seeing either vehicle at any point while you were travelling along the eastbound carriageway of the M27, towards junction three?”
The stretch of motorway was shut in both directions while crews dealt with the incident, with the westbound carriageway reopened just before 2am.
Although the eastbound carriageway partially reopened by 7.30am, one lane remained closed until shortly after 9am.
Anyone with information should contact officers online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 44250048653.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.