Major League Soccer Player Anton Walkes Dead at 25: The Charlotte FC Star Dies Following a Boating Accident

Major League Soccer player Anton Walkes died on Thursday, January 19. He was 25.

“We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning,” his team Charlotte FC said in a statement on Thursday. “May he rest in peace.”

The Charlotte FC defender died after being involved in a boating accident one day prior. Walkes was found unconscious on Wednesday, January 18, when officials responded to a two-vessel crash near the Miami Marine Stadium basin in Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The professional athlete received CPR from the Miami Fire Rescue on site before he was transported to a nearby emergency center, per the report.

“Mr. Walkes was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries,” the FWC said in a statement via CNN. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Mr. Walkes during this difficult time.” The FWC added that an investigation into the accident is underway.

Following his death, Charlotte FC owner, David Tepper, released a statement of his own, revealing that both he and the club are “devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes.”

Tepper called the late player “a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.” He added: “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.”

The England native began his soccer career in 2013 with Tottenham Hotspur. Three years later, he made his debut in the English Football League (EFL) cup. Walkes remained part of the Tottenham Hotspur organization until 2018 — but was loaned out to Major League Soccer team Atlanta United for one