Former Spurs player Anton Walkes dies in Florida aged 25
Charlotte FC and the MLS reported the passing of the 25-year-old defender, who was involved in a tragic accident.
Major League Soccer is in mourning following the news that Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes has passed away after suffering an unfortunate accident. The English defender, who spent his early years in Tottenham’s youth academy, was just 25 years old.
According to the details shared by MLS and by the club, the player, formerly of Atlanta United, lost his life in a boating accident that occurred early on Thursday morning in Miami, Florida. Walkes was found unconscious at the scene after two boats crashed on Wednesday afternoon near Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key. He received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue services but failed to respond.
Tributes have been pouring in from all of Walkes’ former clubs. He moved stateside in December 2020, joining Atlanta United from Portsmouth. An MLS statement read: “There are no words to describe the grief of everyone at Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Charlotte FC’s Anton Walkes. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family. MLS is coordinating with Charlotte to provide players and family members with the resources and support they may need during this tragic time.”
Similarly, the owners of Charlotte FC mourned the loss of the soccer player and sent their condolences and shows of support to the family and friends of the young defender of MLS’s newest franchise. The centre-back joined Charlotte in December 2021, making 24 appearances for the club after making his debut for the club in the 3-1 win over New England in March 2022.
“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment are devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes. He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyful approach to life touched those he met,” said David Tepper, MLS franchise owner.
Meanwhile, Charlotte’s Sporting Director Zoran Krneta added, “We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person and outstabnding human being. Anton embodied what it means to be part pf Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy. The imapct he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable”.
Walkes made a total of 92 MLS appearances including the 68 in his previous stint with Atlanta United, and contributed eight goals and one assist.