Charlotte FC will host a memorial service for Anton Walkes at its Bank of America Stadium this week after the England defender’s tragic death in a boating accident aged 25… while the MLS club pays tribute to an ‘incredible father, friend and team-mate’
Charlotte FC will hold a memorial service for Anton Walkes following the defender’s tragic death aged 25 last week.
Walkes, who spent the last three years of his career in America’s MLS, died last Wednesday after a boating accident in Miami, Florida.
The Tottenham Academy graduate was found unconscious after two boats crashed near Miami Marine Stadium around 3 p.m., according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
He then received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue on Wednesday before being rushed to the hospital but died early Thursday.
Fans held a vigil outside Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Thursday and laid out floral tributes to Walke after discovering the heartbreaking news, while Tottenham also donned black armbands in memory of their former player during a Premier League game against Manchester City wore.
Charlotte FC will hold a memorial to Anton Walkes after the defender’s death aged 25
Walkes, pictured with girlfriend Alexis (center) and their daughter Ayla (right), was involved in a tragic boating accident in Florida last Wednesday
Fans held a vigil for the player in front of Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium last Thursday
And now the MLS club have confirmed they will host a memorial for him at their home arena on Tuesday.
“Anton was an incredible father, friend and teammate who shared his love of football and life with everyone around him,” Charlotte said in a statement.
“We ask that you join us in remembering the impact he has had on all of us.”
Walkes, who had a young daughter named Ayla with his girlfriend Alexis, began his professional career in England at Tottenham after spending four years in the academy ranks.
He made just one appearance for Spurs, featuring in a League Cup game against Gillingham in 2016 before leaving the club two years later.
Charlotte has also confirmed that a memorial service will be held at the stadium on Tuesday this week
After stints on loan in America at Atlanta United and in England’s lower leagues at Portsmouth, he joined the latter team on a permanent basis in 2018.
A second assignment at Atlanta followed two years later before being selected by Charlotte in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft. Walkes played 24 games in his debut season.
Charlotte’s Andre Shinyashiki shared a heartbreaking tribute to his former teammate last week, saying he already “misses” his laugh and his “jokes”.
“Bro I promised myself I wouldn’t write a BS cliche post but I need to get this off my chest,” Shinyashiki wrote.
Walkes had spent the last three years of his career in America after leaving England
Born in Lewisham, London, the centre-back started in England at Tottenham
“For me, that’s not a Charlotte FC player, that was one of my best friends. I already miss your laughter, your jokes, sitting next to you in the dining room and enjoying our time together.
“I don’t know how I’m supposed to look in your locker and not see you, I don’t know how I’m supposed to go to practice every day when you’re not there.
‘I’m sorry I couldn’t help you, I will love you forever and honor your name while I can.’