(MIAMI, FLA) — Soccer player Anton Walkes, who played professionally for nearly a decade in Major League Soccer and the English Premier League, died after a fatal boat crash in Miami Thursday morning. He was 25.
Walkes was found unconscious by Miami Fire Rescue after a collision between two boats near Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8oUcHvWW6g
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) January 19, 2023
The soccer player received CPR and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The Charlotte FC soccer club announced Walkes had tragically passed Thursday morning.
“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met,” David Tepper, owner of Charlotte FC, said in a statement.
Walkes signed with the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur at 16 years old as a midfielder and defender. He then played for Portsmouth of England’s League One, then signed with Atlanta United of the MLS. He joined Charlotte FC in 2021.
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. pic.twitter.com/9S7hT3fMiM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2023