Anton Walkes, a former defender for Tottenham and Portsmouth, passed away at the age of 25 in an accident, according to his club Charlotte FC.
The Englishman was reportedly involved in a boat mishap on Wednesday near Miami, according to local media.
Walkes appeared once for the squad in a League Cup match in 2016 after progressing through the Tottenham youth systems.
In addition, he made 66 appearances for Portsmouth before transferring to Atlanta United in 2020.
Zoran Krneta, the athletic director for Charlotte, stated in a statement: “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 FC 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.”
Portsmouth said: “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.”
Anton Walkes
English professional footballer Anton Charles Walkes (8 February 1997 – 19 January 2023) was a defender and midfielder.
Walkes made his first appearance for a club in the League Cup while playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
He went on loan to Atlanta United in 2017. His loan was extended in August till the end of the 2017 campaign.
Walkes then played for League One team Portsmouth for the balance of the 2017–18 campaign before becoming a permanent member of Portsmouth in July 2018.
Before rejoining Atlanta United in January 2020, he played for Portsmouth for two more seasons.
He joined Charlotte FC in 2022, and stayed there until his passing in 2023.
Professional Career
Walkes joined Tottenham Hotspur in July 2013 and made his professional debut there.
On September 21, 2016, he made his first team debut against Gillingham in the EFL Cup, entering as a substitute in the 80th minute of a 5-0 triumph.
In the UEFA Youth League group stage, Walkes made three appearances as captain, twice facing Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
He extended his contract with the team for a further two years on September 27, 2017, keeping him there through 2019.
Following his time on loan with Atlanta United, Walkes briefly joined the reserve team before being shipped out once more.
Portsmouth
On July 18, 2018, Portsmouth made the announcement that they had signed Walkes to a two-year contract with a third-year option for an unknown sum.
Atlanta United
After three seasons and a loan with Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, Walkes made his way back to the team on January 9, 2020.
On February 18, he started his first game for his club against Motagua in the CONCACAF Champions League, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Charlotte FC
Walkes was chosen by Charlotte FC on December 14, 2021, in the MLS Expansion Draft.
Personal life and death
Walkes was of Jamaican heritage and was born in England.
Walkes died in a boating accident on January 19, 2023 in Miami, Florida, where Charlotte FC was holding a twelve-day training camp.
