Former Tottenham defender Anton Walkes dead at 25 after Miami boat crash

19 January 2023 , 14:35

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Anton Walkes has passed away at the age of 25 (Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Former Tottenham and Portsmouth star Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25 following a boat crash in Florida.

Walkes was found unconscious at the scene after two boats crashed on Wednesday afternoon near Miami Marine Stadium, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue.

Walkes, a Londoner who played as both a defender and midfielder, was a part of MLS club Charlotte FC's first-team squad after previously spending two years at Atlanta United in the United States.

"Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes," read a statement from Charlotte FC owner David Tepper.

Walkes starred for Spurs at Under-21 level and made one first team appearance for the club (Manchester United via Getty Images)

"He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.

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"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 played 66 games for Portsmouth between 2018 and 2020 (Getty Images)

Charlotte's sporting director Zoran Krneta added: "We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes, a truly incredible father, loving person, and outstanding human being.

"Anton embodied what it means to be a part of Charlotte Football Club and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy.

"The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten. We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable."

Born in Lewisham, Walkes began his career at Tottenham where he made his first team debut in September 2016 in the EFL Cup against Gillingham. He also captained the club in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League.

Walkes joined MLS side Atlanta United on a loan deal in 2017 before signing for League One club Portsmouth for the second half of the 2017/18 campaign.

Walkes spent five years at Tottenham including an EFL Cup appearance (Getty Images)

He then made his switch to Fratton Park permanent and scored three goals across 66 first-team appearances for Pompey before moving back to the US, joining Atalanta on a permanent agreement.

Tottenham tweeted: "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."

Portsmouth's official Twitter account tweeted: "Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Anton Walkes. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."

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D.C. United, who are managed by Wayne Rooney and are an MLS rival of Charlotte FC, added: "Our deepest condolences go out to Anton Walkes' family and the entire Charlotte FC community."

Colin Millar