Charlotte FC’s Anton Walkes speaks to the media after the opening training session at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, February 10, 2022 in Charlotte, NC.
mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Major League Soccer Charlotte FC franchise quarterback Anton Walkes died Wednesday in a water accident near Miami’s Marine Stadium.
Charlotte FC announced Walks’ death Thursday morning. He was 25.
Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a statement that Woks was a “truly incredible father, loving man and outstanding human being” and “the epitome of what it means to be a part of the Charlotte Football Club.”
“His impact in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten,” Krneta said.
“He was a wonderful son, father, partner and teammate, whose cheerful approach to life touched everyone he met,” Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said in a statement. “Anton made those around him better people in all aspects of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standards both on and off the field.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Walks was found unconscious after two vessels collided around 3 p.m. Wednesday. He received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue before being hospitalized in critical condition.
The Charlotte Observer reports that Walkes was with Charlotte FC in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area as the team held a 12-day training camp in Fort Lauderdale to begin the 2023 preseason.
Englishman Lewisham first signed with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 16. After a stint with Spurs, Walkes was loaned to Portsmouth of the English League One and Atlanta United of the MLS in 2017. Two seasons at Portsmouth were followed by two seasons with Atlanta United.
Despite starting 64 of 70 total games with Atlanta United in 2017 and 2020-2021, Walkes was exposed for the 2021 expansion draft and was selected by Charlotte. Walk-ons started 21 games in 23 games last season.
“Our deepest condolences to his teammate, his family, his friends and the entire Charlotte FC family,” Major League Soccer tweeted. “MLS is coordinating with Charlotte FC to provide players and family members with the resources and support they need during this tragic time.”
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 9:27 am.
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has included writing about the Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old-school animation, food safety, fraud, bad lawyers, bad doctors and all kinds of breaking news. He drinks coladas completely. The Indianapolis 500 will not operate on race day.
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