US pro soccer player Anton Walkes has reportedly died aged just 25.
The sports star - who was a defender and midfielder for Charlotte FC - tragically passed away following a boating incident in Florida, according to his team.
London-born Walkes had previously played for Tottenham and Portsmouth before moving to Atlanta United in 2020, per the BBC. He leaves behind a young daughter.
"We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning. May he rest in peace," Charlotte FC captioned an image posted to their Instagram account on Thursday (January 19).
In a separate statement on the Charlotte FC website, club owner David Tepper said: "Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is 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."
"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. 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," Tepper continued.
TMZ reported that the young star had been on a boat near the Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday afternoon (January 18) when it crashed into another vessel. Walkes was found unconscious and received CPR from Miami Fire Rescue before being taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
His former club, Portsmouth FC, also paid tribute to their ex-player, stating (via BBC News): "Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Anton Walkes. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."
Thomas Schaling-De Herder, Charlotte FC's director of scouting, took to Twitter to write a heartfelt message about Walkes, tweeting: "Anton Walkes meant a lot to so many people. All of us are mourning the tragic loss of the great father, partner, son, friend and teammate that he was.
"It's touching to see the impact Anton made on those closest to him & everyone around the club. Be good, be kind."
Tottenham Hotspurs have since revealed that they would be commemorating Walkes by sporting black armbands ahead of their game with Manchester City on Thursday evening.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Anton Walkes. As a mark of respect, our first team will wear black armbands at this evening's Premier League match against Manchester City, with all our Academy sides to wear black armbands this weekend," they tweeted.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of Anton Walkes at this difficult time.
