Fans of Charlotte FC and Atlanta United came together on Saturday to honour the late Anton Walkes, who died in a boast crash in January.
Charlotte played host to Atlanta on week three of the 2023 MLS season, but before the game kicked off a tifo of Walkes was unveiled by the crowd. The tifo showed Walkes wearing a split jersey consisting of Charlotte and Atlanta colours, the last two MLS sides he represented before passing.
Walkes was selected by Charlotte in the 2021 expansion MLS draft, and made 23 appearances during their inaugural season. It was in Atlanta that he really established himself, after his professional career failed to take off while at Premier League side Tottenham.
It all began in London for Walkes, and he captained Tottenham as a youth prospect before making his senior debut as an 18-year-old in the EFL Cup. Walkes struggled for game time, and took a gamble when joining Atlanta on loan in 2017.
Walkes played 20 games for Atlanta that season and scored two goals, which attracted interest back in England. Walkes then joined Portsmouth on loan before eventually signing on a permanent deal, but his home was always in MLS.
Following the conclusion of his two-year deal at Portsmouth, Walkes signed for Atlanta in January 2020 as he returned to his favoured MLS side. Walkes made 50 MLS appearances across two seasons for Atlanta, before being selected for the MLS expansion draft.
Charlotte then became his new home, and Walkes added needed stability to the side as they found their feet in MLS. After a successful first season, Walkes was preparing for the 2023 campaign, but unfortunately lost his life while on a 12-day training camp.
Walkes died from injuries suffered in a boating accident in Miami, which was later confirmed in a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). According to the FWC, officers attended a 'two-vessel accident' and Walkes was unconscious at the time before being transported to shore by Miami Fire Rescue.
“Mr. Walkes was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries," the HWC confirmed. "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Mr. Walkes during this difficult time."
Charlotte were devastated to hear the news, and said in a statement: "Charlotte Football Club can confirm the tragic and heartbreaking news that defender Anton Walkes passed away early Thursday morning following an accident in South Florida." Atlanta also posted in honour of their former star.
"We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes," Atlanta United FC said in a statement. "An inaugural member of Atlanta United, Anton was the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he entered.
"He will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him. On behalf of everyone at Atlanta United, we send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family, friends and Charlotte FC."
