Former Tottenham player Anton Walkes dies aged 25 after Miami boat crash

Former Tottenham player Anton Walkes has died aged 25 after reportedly being involved in a boat crash.

His club, the US side Charlotte FC, which confirmed his death in a tweet, said it was “devastated” and called him an “outstanding human being”.

Walkes died after a boat crash in Miami on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Miami Herald.

He was given CPR and taken to hospital after being found unconscious when two boats collided near the Marine Stadium, the newspaper said.

He is believed to have been in Florida for a pre-season training camp with his team.

Spurs tweeted: “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.”

Walkes was born in Lewisham in south London and was a graduate of Tottenham’s academy.

He played for Spurs at under-21 and under-23 level but made only one senior appearance – in the League Cup.

The defender later tuned out for Portsmouth and Atlanta United.

The MLS tweeted: “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.

His former club Atlanta said it was “heartbroken” and called him “the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he entered”.

Charlotte FC’s owner, David Tepper, said Walkes “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,” he said.

Portsmouth, who Walkes played for between 2018 and 2020, tweeted that it was “extremely saddened” and that its thoughts were with his friends and family.