Football world mourn tragic death of young player killed in boating accident

The MLS community are in mourning following the tragic death of London-born defender Anton Walkes at the age of 25.

MLS club Charlotte FC announced the player had died in a tragic boating accident.

Fox Sports reports that the team were in the Miami area for pre-season training where he was involved in a boat crash on Wednesday (January 18).

Local 10 news says, as reported by Fox Sports, that Walkes was found unconscious after the crash and received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue.

He was transported to hospital where he later passed away.

Charlotte FC took to Twitter to announce the news.

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

“May he rest in peace.”

Club owner David Tepper said the club were ‘devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes’.

In a club statement, he said: “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.”

Adding: “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 was a graduate of the Tottenham Hotspur youth academy having grown up in London.

He spent time at Portsmouth before he moved to the United States where he played for Atlanta United and Charlotte FC.

Tottenham Hotspur also tweeted out their condolences: "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."

Fans and friends of Walkes’ created a memorial outside the Bank of America Stadium where his teammates were pictured standing in front of in silence mourning their loss this morning.

Tottenham players wore black armbands during their fixture against Manchester City.

Tributes came flowing in for the much-beloved player.