Anton Walkes, a defender for Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC, tragically passed away at the age of 25 following a boating accident, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Wednesday near the Miami Marine Stadium basin, where Walkes was found unconscious and later received CPR after being brought ashore by Miami Fire Rescue. He was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Charlotte FC expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, describing Walkes’s death as “tragic and heartbreaking.” The club’s owner, David Tepper, praised Walkes as a “tremendous son, father, partner, and teammate” whose positive spirit impacted everyone he met. Tepper extended his thoughts and prayers to Walkes’s family and assured support for those affected by this loss.
Walkes began his career in the youth ranks of Tottenham Hotspur and had stints with Portsmouth and Atlanta United before joining Charlotte FC in the 2022 MLS season. His former club, Atlanta United, also mourned his passing, highlighting his role as a valued teammate with a bright personality.
Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta conveyed the club’s grief, noting that Walkes was a “truly incredible father, loving person, and outstanding human being.” He emphasized that Walkes’s influence and the impact he made within the club and the broader Charlotte community would be remembered.
The club pledged full support to Walkes’s family during this challenging time. The FWC continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.