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CNN
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Major League Soccer team Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes has died from injuries sustained in a boating accident aged 25, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a statement.
According to the FWC, around 3 p.m. Wednesday, FWC officials witnessed the two-ship accident near the Miami Marine Stadium watershed. Walkes was unconscious and later underwent CPR after being carried ashore by the Miami Fire Department.
“Mr. Walkes was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Our thoughts are with Mr. Walkes’ family, friends and fans during this difficult time.” the statement said. The FWC said an investigation was ongoing.
Charlotte FC also confirmed the “tragic and heartbreaking” death in a statement.
“Charlotte Football Club can confirm the tragic and heartbreaking news that defender Anton Wolkes passed away early Thursday morning following an accident in South Florida,” a statement from Charlotte FC said. read.
Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said of Walkes:
“He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heartbreaking time,” Tepper added. We offer our full support to all who are affected.”
Walkes made his way through the youth ranks of Premier League club 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 MLS season, before joining the club fully in 2020 after another spell at Portsmouth.
Walkes then joined Charlotte FC for the 2022 MLS season.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Anton Wolkes,” his former club Atlanta United FC. said in a statement“Anton, the founding member of Atlanta United, epitomized a great teammate with a personality that brightened every room he entered.
“All who knew him will miss him deeply. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, my heart goes out to Anton’s family, friends and Charlotte FC.”
Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Kurneta said the club was “heartbroken” by the loss of “a truly wonderful father, a loving person and an outstanding person”.
“Anton embodies what it means to be part of Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is mourning this tragedy,” Kurneta added.
“The impact he had on the locker room and Charlotte as a whole will never be forgotten. During this time, we are thinking of his lovely family and will fully support them in every way possible. ”
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