Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes dies in Miami boating accident

MIAMI, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes died after he was involved in a boating accident in Miami, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told UPI on Thursday. He was 25.

Public information coordinator Ashlee Sklute said conservation commission officers responded about 3 p.m. EST Wednesday to a two-vessel accident near Miami Marine Stadium and found Walkes unconscious.

Sklute said Miami Fire Rescue first responders then transported Walkes to shore, where he received CPR. He then was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The matter remains under investigation by agency officials, who declined to provide additional details about others potentially involved in the crash.

We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8oUcHvWW6g— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) January 19, 2023

"Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes," Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said in a news release. "He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.

"Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch. He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton's family during this heartbreaking time. The club offers its full support to all those impacted during this period of mourning."

Walkes, a London native, started his senior career in 2016 with Tottenham Hotspur of England's Premier League. He went on loan in 2017 to MLS club Atlanta United and in 2018 Portsmouth, an English Football League One team.

He returned to Atlanta United in 2020-21. Walkes, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, appeared in 23 games last season for Charlotte FC.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes.

The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time pic.twitter.com/NCPvFU4A6v— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2023

"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," MLS said. "Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans."

Charlotte FC departed for Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 9 for the start of a 12-day training camp. They are scheduled to face St. Louis City SC in a scrimmage, which is closed to the public, Saturday at Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Willis Reed

New York Knicks legend Willis Reed (C) reacts when he is introduced with the rest of the Knicks 1973 championship team in New York City in 2013. Reed, who was nicknamed "The Captain" and was in the Basketball Hall-of-Fame, died at the age of 80 on March 21. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo