Caribbean Heritage Soccer Star Dead At 25

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. Jan 20, 2023: A Caribbean roots soccer star with the Charlotte FC has died at the young age of 25 from injuries he sustained in a boat crash off the coast of Miami, Florida.

Anton Walkes, who is of Jamaican roots but was born in London, was in Miami, where Charlotte FC was holding a twelve-day training camp.

At around 3 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday, he was injured in a two-boat collision near Miami Marine Stadium. He was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Walkes was operating one of the boats that crashed, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement.

Walkes was a member of the MLS club Charlotte FC. He started his career at Tottenham.Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said all at the club were “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,” Tepper said in a club statement.

Walkes joined Charlotte for the club’s debut MLS season in 2022. He played in 23 matches with 21 starts and had five shots on goal this past season.

Walkes turned pro in 2016 after developing in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and went on to play with English Premier League club. He also played for Portsmouth before signing with Atlanta United in MLS, spending three seasons (2017, 2020-21) at Atlanta United. Charlotte selected Walkes in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, incorporating the center back into their debut campaign.

The MLS released a statement saying “there are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today.”

“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. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, family, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family. MLS is coordinating with Charlotte FC to provide players and family members with the resources and support they may need during this tragic time,” the statement added.

Tottenham Hotspur also tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”