Was soccer star Anton Walkes married? Charlotte FC defender dies at age 25 after boat accident
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Professional soccer player Anton Walkes died on Thursday, January 19, as a result of injuries he suffered in a boat accident off the coast of Miami. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Walkes, 25, was found unconscious and brought to a hospital following the collision between two boats on Wednesday in the Miami Marine Stadium basin.
Walkes' club Charlotte FC confirmed his death in a tweet on Thursday, saying, "We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning. May he rest in peace." Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said all at the club were "devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes." "He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met," Tepper said in a statement. "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."
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We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning.
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) January 19, 2023
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8oUcHvWW6g
Was Anton Walkes married?
Walkes was not married but he had a girlfriend named Alexis, as per Genius Celebs. They also have a young daughter named Ayla. Though little is known about both Alexis and Ayla, the mother-daughter duo occasionally came to the stadium to support Walkes at his games.
Born in Lewisham in south London, Walkes was a graduate of Tottenham Hotspur's academy. "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," Tottenham Hotspur said on Twitter.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time 💙 pic.twitter.com/NCPvFU4A6v
The Major League Soccer (MLS) said on Twitter, "There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans."
There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. pic.twitter.com/9S7hT3fMiM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2023
The defender signed his first contract with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur when he was 16 years old. In 2017, Walkes was loaned to Atlanta United of the MLS and League One's Portsmouth of England after making one appearance with Spurs. After spending two seasons with Atlanta United, it was time for two more in Portsmouth. Despite having played in 64 of a possible 70 games with Atlanta United between 2017 and 2020–2021, Walkes was passed over for the 2021 expansion draft, and Charlotte FC chose him. Walkes started 21 out of 23 appearances last season.