Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes died Thursday in a boating accident in Miami on Wednesday. He was 25. Walkes was in South Florida for a 12-day team training camp. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told the Miami Herald that Walkes was found unconscious Wednesday after two vessels crashed at around 3 p.m. After receiving CPR, Walkes was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition.

The Charlotte FC and MLS confirmed his passing. Charlotte FC tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning. May he rest in peace.”  MLS tweeted: “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.”

Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said in a statement: “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 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.”

Walkes signed with Tottenham of the Premier League at age 16, and also played for League One’s Portsmouth and MLS’s Atlanta United before being selected by Charlotte in the 2021 MLS expansion draft. Walkes started in 21 games and made 23 appearances in the 2022 season.

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