25-year-old Anton Walkes Laid To Rest

Charlotte FC will be holding a memorial service in honor of Walkes at their home arena on Tuesday. The player spent the last three years of his career in America's MLS. He tragically passed away last Wednesday after a boating accident in Miami, Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explained the incident.

Walkes was found unconscious after two boats crashed near Miami Marine Stadium. He was discovered around 3 pm and received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue. He was then taken to the hospital but died in the early hours of Thursday. 

Daily Mail reports that Walkes is the father to a young daughter named Ayla who he had with his girlfriend, Alexis. He started his professional career in England with Tottenham. The 25-year-old had first spent four years in their academy ranks.

In 2016, he made one appearance for the Spurs. That was when he came to a League Cup game against Gillingham. Two years after that, Walkes left the club. He had loan spells in England's lower leagues with Portsmouth and in America with Atlanta United.

In 2018, he permanently joined Portsmouth. Amid the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, Walkes was selected by Charlotte FC. In his debut season, Walkes made 24 appearances. Leading up to his tragic demise, Walkes played as a defender for the club.

A lot of people were quick to mourn the loss of such a great player. A vigil was held outside Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium by supporters. Charlotte's sporting director Zoran Krneta said the club was heartbroken by the tragic loss.

Major League Soccer also expressed their pain in the news. A support group of Charlotte FC, The Royal Family, also held a vigil in honor of Walkes. On Thursday, MLS side Colorado Rapids held a minute's silence before training. Walkes's former club, Tottenham, also paid tribute to him. In honor of Walkes, the Premier League released a statement. They said players will wear black armbands in their match with Manchester United on Thursday. Also, the academy sides will wear black armbands during the weekend. Walkes's teammates also paid their tributes to him. 

A lot of athletes have been hurt in boating accidents in Florida in the past. Cleveland pitcher, Steve Olin, and Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher, Tim Crews died in a boating accident in 1993. The accident also injured another pitcher, Bob Ojeda.

In 2009, a boat was reported missing off the Gulf Coast near Clearwater by the Us Coast Guard. Former University of South Florida football players Nick Schuyler and Will Bleakley were on the boat. So were Oakland Raider linebacker Marquis Cooper and Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith. The following day, the boat was found with others dead and Schuyler clinging to the hull. Marlin pitcher José Fernández and two men died in a crash near Miami beach in 2016.