CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fans in and around Charlotte filed into Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday to help celebrate the life of Anton Walkes.
Walkes, a Charlotte FC defender, died after a boating accident in Florida last week.
Tuesday’s celebration of life commemorated Walkes’ legacy on both the organization and Major League Soccer, as speakers ranged from the league’s commissioner to N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper.
It was a heartbreaking day for Walkes’ family, teammates and the fans who supported him during the team’s inaugural season.
“This came out of the blue Thursday last week morning,” Brandon Lewis said.
Lewis and his young son Finn attended Tuesday’s celebration. Lewis is a huge fan of the team and is active in one of the supporter groups, helping to make large banners and flags before each home game.
“We got the fabric right here for the home opener. But we design, create, do all the logistics behind bringing the tifos to every game that we do,” Lewis explained.
Walkes’ death hits particularly close to home for Lewis, as both a fan and father.
“Being the defender that he was, filling a spot that we needed, being there for every match and giving it his all,” Lewis said. “But mainly, I mean I had an instant — the thought instantly was, he was a father, I’m a father. And, it should be good to just remember him in that way. Good father, good player, all-around great guy.”
Lewis joined other fans, teammates, family and friends who attended Tuesday’s celebration to say goodbye to a member of the team’s first-ever roster and celebrate Walkes’ life.
“It’s been resounding on social media and other channels, the season’s for Anton at this point. Yes, it’s for the supporters, for the team, for the cup, but definitely for Anton. It’ll give us, I think, the drive, the supporters the drive. It’ll mean a lot to everybody,” Lewis added.
Charlotte FC will mark its emotional return home on February 25, when it kicks off its second regular season.