Former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder Anton Walkes has passed away, aged 25, after a boat crash in Miami on Wednesday.
Walkes was found unconscious at the scene after two boats crashed on Wednesday afternoon near Miami Marine Stadium, reports Miami Herald, and received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue.
Walkes was a part of MLS club Charlotte FC’s first-team squad after previously spending two years at Atlanta United in the United States.
Born in Lewisham, London, Walkes began his career at Tottenham where he made his first team debut in September 2016 in the EFL Cup against Gillingham while he captained the club in the group stage of UEFA Youth League.
Walkes, adept at playing both in defence and midfield, joined MLS side Atlanta United on a loan deal in 2017 before joining League One club Portsmouth for the second half of the 2017/18 campaign.
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Manchester United via Getty Images)
He then made his switch to Fratton Park permanent and scored three goals across 66 first team appearances with Pompey when he then moved back to the US, joining Atalanta on a permanent agreement.
“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes,” read a statement from Charlotte FC owner David Tepper. “He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.
“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. 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 impacted during this period of mourning.”
Charlotte’s sporting director Zoran Krneta added: “We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person, and outstanding human being. Anton embodied what it means to be a part of Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy.
“The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable.”
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