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(CNN) Anton C. Walkes, a 25-year-old defenseman for Charlotte FC, died at a South Florida hospital after being involved in a boating accident Wednesday afternoon, according to Arielle Callender, a spokeswoman for Florida Fish and Wildlife. Conservation Commission (FWC).
FWC agents “responded to a two-boat accident near the basin of Miami Marine Stadium” around 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to an agency statement.
“The operator of one of the vessels, Anton C. Walkes of Charlotte, North Carolina, was found unconscious and transported to shore by Miami Fire Rescue where he received CPR,” the FWC said.
“Walkes was transported to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries,” the agency said.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and supporters of Mr. Walkes during this difficult time,” the FWC said.
“This is an active investigation,” the FWC said.
Walkes was a defender for Charlotte FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.
The club confirms the death of its player
“The Charlotte Football Club can confirm the tragic and heartbreaking news that defender Anton Walkes passed away early Thursday morning after being involved in an accident in South Florida,” it said in a statement.
Charlotte FC owner David Tepper described Walkes as a “tremendous son, father, partner and teammate, whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.”
“He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time,” Tepper added. “The club offers its full support to all those affected during this time of mourning.”
Walkes came through the youth ranks of Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, before playing for Portsmouth and Atlanta United.
Walkes moved to the United States to join Atlanta on loan in 2017, the team’s first season in MLS, then joined the club permanently in 2020 after another spell at Portsmouth.
Walkes then joined Charlotte FC for the 2022 MLS season.
Walkes joined Charlotte FC last season. (Credit: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images North America/Getty Images)
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes,” his former club Atlanta said in a statement. “A member of Atlanta United’s first team, Anton was the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he walked into.”
“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of all of Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family, his friends and Charlotte FC.”
Zoran Krneta, Charlotte FC’s sporting director, said the club is “heartbroken” over the loss of “a truly incredible father, loving person and exceptional human being.”
“Anton embodied what it means to be a part of the Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is mourning this tragedy,” Krneta added.
“The impact he made on the locker room and on all of Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of her lovely family during this time and will fully support them in every way possible.”
The-CNN-Wire
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