Former Atlanta United player Anton Walkes dies in Florida boat crash

Atlanta United midfielder Anton Walkes (26) acknowledges the fans after an MLS playoff soccer game against Columbus Crew, in Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017. Soccer player Anton Walkes, who started his career at Tottenham, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, after an accident in Florida, his MLS club Charlotte FC said. He was 25.(AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

Professional soccer player Anton Walkes — an inaugural member of Atlanta United — has died from injuries he sustained in a boat crash off the coast of Miami, authorities said Thursday.

Walkes, who was 25, was found unconscious and taken to a hospital after the crash between two boats Wednesday near the Miami Marine Stadium basin, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Walkes was operating one of the boats that crashed, the state agency said in a statement.