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BREAKING NEWS: Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes dies at 25 after a boating accident in Florida on Thursday morning, as tributes roll out for the former Tottenham and Portsmouth player.
Charlotte FC has announced that England defender Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25.
Walkes was discovered unconscious after a two-boat collision near Miami Marine Stadium, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Detailed Miami Herald that Walkes received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue on Wednesday but died early Thursday.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person and exceptional human being,” Charlotte athletic director Zoran Krneta said in a statement.
Charlotte FC England defender Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25 after a boating accident in Miami
Walkes, English defender who started at Tottenham Hotspur, died early Thursday morning
“Anton embodied what it means to be a part of the Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving this tragedy.
“The impact he had on the locker room and on all of Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of her lovely family during this time and will fully support them in every way imaginable.”
In its own statement, Major League Soccer expressed its grief over the “tragic” news of Walkes’ death early Thursday, following a crash in South Florida.
“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,” the statement read.
Walkes (left) was born in Lewisham, London, and came up through the Tottenham academy.
‘Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, family, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family.
“MLS is coordinating with Charlotte FC to provide players and family members with the resources and support they may need during this tragic time.”
Less than 24 hours ago, Walkes shared a photo of himself training on his Instagram story.
Walkes turned professional in 2016 and began his career nurturing himself at Tottenham Hotspur’s academy in England.
From there, he had loan spells at Atlanta United and Portsmouth, before going on to permanent spells at both clubs.
On December 14, 2021, Walkes was picked up by Charlotte as part of the expansion draft.
Last season, Walkes started 21 games for Charlotte.
Charlotte FC Owner David Tepper said: “Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes. He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone that he met
‘Anton made better people around him in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC at the highest level both on and off the pitch.
He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time.
“The club offers its full support to all those affected during this period of mourning.”
In their own statement, Atlanta United, where Walkes started 64 of the 70 games there in his two spells, said: “We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes.
‘An inaugural member of Atlanta United, Anton was the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he walked into.
‘He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family, friends and Charlotte FC.”
MORE TO FOLLOW.