Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Anton Walkes killed in tragic boat accident Charlotte FC confirm
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Published 19/01/2023 at 16:22 GMT
Anton Walkes tragically lost his life in a boating accident in Miami, Florida. Walkes plays for Charlotte FC in the MLS, and previously played for Atlanta United and Portsmouth. He progressed through the ranks as a youth-team player at Tottenham, making one first-team appearance for the club. Charlotte FC, Tottenham, Atlanta and Portsmouth have all paid tribute to the 25-year-old.
Anton Walkes
Image credit: Getty Images
Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes has tragically passed away after a boat crash in Miami.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the former Tottenham and Portsmouth defender was found unconscious as two boats collided near Miami Marine Stadium, before receiving CPR from Miami Fire Rescue.
Walkes joined Charlotte in December 2021 after nearly two years with fellow MLS club Atlanta United.
A statement from Charlotte FC owner David Tepper read: "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."
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."
Walkes progressed through the ranks at Tottenham and made one appearance for the first team in an EFL Cup tie against Gillingham in September 2016.
Loan moves to Atlanta and Portsmouth followed, before he went to Fratton Park on a permanent basis in July 2018.
Walkes made 66 appearances and scored three goals in a year-and-a-half with Pompey, winning the Football League Trophy in his only full season at the club.
A permanent transfer to Atlanta followed in January 2020 and he made 79 appearances, scoring four goals for the Georgia side ahead of his move to Charlotte.
Tottenham, Portsmouth and Atlanta have all tweeted their messages of condolence following Walkes’ tragic death.
A Tottenham statement read: "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."
Portsmouth tweeted: "Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Anton Walkes. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."
Atlanta’s tribute read: “We are heartbroken to learn the tragic passing of Anton Walkes. An inaugural member of Atlanta United, Anton was the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he entered. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton's family, friends and Charlotte FC."
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