Miami (AP) — According to authorities on Thursday, professional soccer player Anton Walkes passed away from injuries he received in a boat accident off the coast of Miami.
According to the state agency, Walkes was a passenger in one of the boats that went down.
It was unclear if there were any more injuries.
Defensor Walkes was starting his second season with Charlotte FC of the Major League Soccer.
Tepper said in a club statement, “He was a tremendous son, father, partner, and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.”
For Charlotte’s inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2022, Walkes signed on. This past season, he had five shots on goal and participated in 23 games, of which 21 were starts.
Tepper stated, “Anton represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch and made those around him better people in all areas of life.”
On Thursday, flowers were being laid outside Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium’s east gate by fans. There was to be an early evening vigil.
“There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today,” the Major League Soccer released a statement.