Professional soccer player Anton Walkes is dead at the age of 25 following a tragic boat accident in Miami, Florida.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Charlotte FC midfielder was found unconscious after a two-boat collision near the Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. He was administered CPR by Miami Fire Rescue and was taken to a hospital thereafter, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The Major League Soccer outfit said the club is devastated by the news.
“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met,” Charlotte FC owner David Tepper lamented. “Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch.”
Walkes was operating one of the boats involved in the crash.
The deceased midfielder hails from England and began his career with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur before being loaned to Atlanta United. He signed for League One side Portsmouth in 2017, playing there until he returned to Atlanta in 2020.
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Walkes played 64 games for ATL and was subsequently selected by Charlotte as the second pick in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft.
“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,” a statement from the MLS reads. “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.”
The collision is being investigated in the wake of the player’s death.
TotalProSports extends commiserations to the family of Anton Walkes, as well as his friends, loved ones, fans, and his club.
R.I.P Anton Walkes – 1997-2023
