Anton Walkes, Former Atlanta United Player, Dead At 25

MIAMI, FLA — Anton Walkes, a former member of Atlanta United, died Thursday morning at the age of 25, Major League Soccer announced.

ESPN reported Walkes, a midfielder for Charlotte FC, was found unconscious after a crash Wednesday between two boats in Miami. The outlet reported he died from injuries suffered in the crash.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes. An inaugural member of Atlanta United, Anton was the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he entered. He will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family, friends and Charlotte FC," representatives for Atlanta United wrote in a statement.

ESPN reported Walkes was originally from England.

According to Atlanta United, Walkes played for Tottenham Hotspurs in England before becoming a loan player for Atlanta United's first season in 2017. He briefly played in Portsmouth before officially signing with Atlanta United for the 2o2o season. He was drafted after the 2021 regular season to Charlotte FC.

In a statement, Charlotte FC owner David Tepper called Walkes a "tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met."

Tepper said Walkes helped make people better and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard.

Team Sporting Director Zoran Krneta said Walkes was "a truly incredible father, loving person and outstanding human being."

"Anton embodied what it means to be a part of the Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy," Krneta said in a statement. "The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten."

Representatives for Major League Soccer released the following statement:

"There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, family, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family. MLS is coordinating with Charlotte FC to provide players and family members with the resources and support they may need during this tragic time."