A FORMER Premier League starlet was killed in a horror motorway crash as he returned home from a match.

Ethan McLeod, who played in the Wolves academy before signing for Macclesfield FC, died when his white Mercedes hit a barrier.

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Former Wolves academy player Ethan McLeod was killed in a motorway crashCredit: Getty
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Macclesfield FC paid tribute to the starCredit: Instagram/thesilkmen
The 21-year-old tragically could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene on the M1 near Northampton.

Macclesfield FC confirmed his heartbreaking death in a devastating post today.

The club said Ethan was travelling home from the team’s 2-1 win over Bedford Town when the horror unfolded.

It added: “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.

“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.

“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 club also said Ethan “effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch”.

It added that the “deep mental scars from his passing” would never heal but his “vibrant legacy will never fade”.

The team continued: “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.”

Ethan spent ten years at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy as well as loan spells at Alvechurch FC.

Following his departure from Molineux, he enjoyed stints at Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge.

Ethan signed for the National League North side in July this year.

The northbound carriageway was shut for more than eight hours following the crash at 10.40pm last night.

Northamptonshire police said: “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 are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact them.

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The forward was driving home from a match when the horror unfoldedCredit: Instagram/ethanmcleod10
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Ethan spent ten years at the Wolves academyCredit: Getty
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He signed for Macclesfield FC in JulyCredit: Macclesfield FC
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Police are appealing for information over the fatal crashCredit: Instagram/ethanmcleod10
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The footballer, pictured with Saltbae, was described as a ‘incredibly talented’Credit: Instagram