Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes died on Thursday from injuries he suffered in a boat crash off the coast of Miami. He was 25 years old.
Walkes was found unconscious and was rushed to a hospital after the crash between two boats near the Miami Marine Stadium basin.
According to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Anton Walkes was operating one of the boats that crashed.
The agency said it was unclear if any other person was injured in the accidents as further investigations are being conducted to unravel the cause.
Charlotte FC announced the death of Walkes in a statement:
We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning,” the club said in a statement. “May he rest in peace.”
The club’s owner, David Tepper, said “He was a tremendous son, father, partner, and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.
Reacting to the sad news, Major League Soccer said in a statement “There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans.”
While Tottenham Hotspur also responded via a tweet: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Anton Charles Walkes began his club career with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in July 2013, making one appearance for the club in the League Cup.
He made his first team debut on 21 September 2016 in the EFL Cup match against Gillingham, where he came in as a substitute in the 80th minute in a 5–0 victory. Walkes was also a three-time captain in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League, including twice against Bayer Leverkusen.
