CNN
–
Anton Walkes Defender football League The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a statement that the Charlotte FC team member, died from injuries sustained in a boating accident at the age of 25.
The FWC said that at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, FWC officers attended a two-vessel accident near the Miami Marine Stadium dock. Walkes was unconscious and later received CPR after being brought ashore by Miami Fire Rescue.
“Mr. Walks was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Mr. Walks during this difficult time,” the statement said. The FWC said the investigation is ongoing.
Charlotte FC confirmed the “tragic and heartbreaking” death in a statement.
“The Charlotte Football Club can confirm the tragic and sad news that defender Anton Walkes passed away early Thursday morning following an accident in South Florida,” the Charlotte Football Club statement read.
Charlotte Soccer Club owner David Tepper described Alex as “a wonderful son, father, partner and teammate whose cheerful approach to life influenced everyone he met.
“He will be greatly missed by many, and our prayers go out to Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time,” Tepper said. “The club offers its full support to all those affected during this period of mourning.”
He came walking through the youth ranks at a Premier League club Tottenham Hotspurbefore going on to play for Portsmouth and Atlanta United.
Walks moved to the United States to join Atlanta on loan in 2017, the team’s first season in Major League Soccer, then joined the club on a permanent basis in 2020 following another spell at Portsmouth.
Walkes then joined Charlotte Soccer Club for the 2022 MLS season.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Anton Wokes,” his former club Atlanta United F.C. he said in a statement. 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 sorely missed by all who knew him. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family, friends, and Charlotte.”
Zoran Karnita, Charlotte FC’s sporting director, said the club was “saddened” by the loss of “a truly amazing father, a loving person and an outstanding human being.”
“Anton embodied what it means to be a part of the Charlotte Soccer Club and our entire community mourns this tragedy,” Karnita added.
“The impact he had in the locker room and all over Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of his beautiful family during this time and will fully support them in every way imaginable.”
