CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Football Club defender Anton Walkes died early Thursday morning following a crash in South Florida, Charlotte FC officials say.
The club called the death of 25-year-old Walkes "tragic and heartbreaking."
What You Need To Know
- Charlotte Football Club defender Anton Walkes died early Thursday morning following a crash in South Florida
- Walkes was in critical condition after two boats crashed near Miami Marine Stadium Wednesday afternoon, the Charlotte Observer reports
- Walkes, 25, played in 93 MLS games
- Charlotte FC Owner David Tepper said Walkes made those around him better, and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard
Charlotte FC players arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 9 to start a 12-day training camp for the 2023 preaseason, the Charlotte Observer reports.
“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes," Charlotte FC Owner David Tepper said. "He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met."
Tepper said Walkes made those around him better, and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard.
Sporting Director Zoran Krneta described Walkes as a loving person and an 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," Krneta said.
Details surrounding the accident were not provided.
"He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time," Tepper said.
Walkes played in 93 MLS games, according to Major League Soccer officials, also spending three seasons (2017, 2020-21) at Atlanta United. Charlotte selected Walkes in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft.