Former Tottenham participant Anton Walkes, 25, dies in Florida boat crash

Professional soccer participant Anton Walkes has died from accidents he sustained in a ship crash off the coast of Miami, authorities mentioned Thursday.

Walkes, who was 25, was discovered unconscious and brought to a hospital after the crash between two boats Wednesday close to the Miami Marine Stadium basin, in response to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Walkes was working one of many boats that crashed, the state company mentioned in an announcement.

It was unclear whether or not anybody else was injured. The company’s investigation is ongoing.

Walkes, a defender, was coming into his second season with MLS membership Charlotte FC. The staff had arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 9 for its first leg of preseason coaching and had a pleasant scheduled with St. Louis on Saturday. That match has been cancelled.

Charlotte FC proprietor David Tepper mentioned all on the membership have been “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 mentioned in a membership assertion.

Walkes joined Charlotte for the membership’s debut MLS season in 2022. He performed in 23 matches with 21 begins and had 5 pictures on objective this previous season.

“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,” Tepper mentioned.

Fans started laying flowers exterior of the east gate of Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Thursday.

Walkes started his profession with English Premier League membership Tottenham and likewise performed for Portsmouth earlier than signing with Atlanta United within the MLS, the place he spent three seasons.

The MLS launched an announcement saying “there are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today.”

“Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans,” the assertion mentioned.

In 2016, a ship crash off Miami Beach killed Major League Baseball participant Jose Fernandez, a star pitcher for the Miami Marlins. Fernandez and two different folks died when their 32-foot vessel slammed right into a jetty, in response to authorities.

Charlotte FC teammate Jaylin Lindsey mentioned he was “heartbroken” to study of Walkes’ loss of life.

“Fly high my brother, you’re the best teammate I could’ve asked for,” Lindsey Tweeted. “Love you man.”

Tottenham Hotspur additionally 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.”