The English football player Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25, Charlotte Football Club confirmed on Thursday.
The MLS side said that Walkes, who began his career at Tottenham Hotspur before spells at Portsmouth and Atlanta United, had died “following an accident in South Florida”.
The club’s owner, David Tepper, said in a statement: “Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes.
“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and team-mate 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, who was born in London, started his career at Tottenham, making one first-team appearance for the Premier League club.
He enjoyed loan spells at Atlanta and Portsmouth, eventually signing a permanent deal with the latter.
Walkes made 35 league appearances for Portsmouth in League One before moving back to Atlanta on a permanent deal.
He signed for Charlotte in 2022.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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