Anton Walkes, who was a defender and midfielder for Charlotte FC, died in a boat accident in Florida, the team announced on Thursday.

At the time of his death, he was 25 years old. The Major League Soccer club said the organization is devastated by the news. “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,” MLS said in a statement. “Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, family, friends and the entire Charlotte FC family.”

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Walkes was reportedly found unconscious and received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue,  according to the Miami Herald. The incident involved two boats crashing near the Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Anton Walkes’ parents

Not much is known about Walkes’ parents except that they were very big supporters of his football career. Their names are not publicly available at this time. 

Back in 2017, when his team played San Jose Earthquakes, Walkes told tottenhamhotspur.com, after the match that his parents watched him play from his home in England. They were awake all night to watch their son score his big goal and were unable to sleep afterward.  

“I’ve been in contact with my family and they’re over the moon, so that’s really humbled me and made me value it even more. My mum and dad were watching live, they stayed up all the way back at home and they couldn’t get to sleep after that either! It was great to speak to my mum and dad and a few of my closest friends back home as well.”

Anton Walkes’ girlfriend, children

Walkes has a young daughter called Ayla with his girlfriend Alexis. The last name of his girlfriend is not currently available.