sport news Anton Walkes: Charlotte FC celebrate his life in emotional ceremony trends now
Charlotte FC head coach Christian Lattanzio promised his squad will never speak about Anton Walkes 'in the past tense' as the MLS side held a celebration of his life Tuesday.
Walkes, who had spent the last three years of his career in MLS, died last week following a boating accident in Miami, Florida.
The Tottenham academy graduate was discovered unconscious following a crash of two boats near Miami Marine Stadium around 3pm, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In a ceremony at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium Tuesday, players and team personnel paid tribute to the defender, before Walkes' own words concluded a tribute video.
Anton Walkes' signed off a tribute video to celebrate his life with 'here's to a good season'
Charlotte FC put the video together for a celebration of his life Tuesday at their stadium
'We made a promise to him that he's going to be with us,' head coach Lattanzio said.
'I'm not going to talk about him in the past tense. He's present and he's going to be with us.'
Andre Shinyashiki, who paid an emotional tribute to his 'brother' on Instagram last week, spoke on behalf of Charlotte's players.
'His loyalty was unmatched,' Shinyashiki said, before telling a story about how Walkes would be 'the first one' at a sushi restaurant, even though he did not like it.
Mo Khalifa, one of Walkes' closest friends, spoke through tears.
In the three-minute video Walkes describes his game as attendees wept as they watched it
Englishman Walkes has spent the past three seasons plying his trade in Major League Soccer
One tribute card said 'thanks for the memories' as fans gathered at a vigil held last week
Walkes, pictured with girlfriend Alexis (middle) and their daughter Ayla (right), was involved in a tragic boating accident in Florida last Wednesday
The celebration of Walkes' life was attended by MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Charlotte's players and staff all wore Walkes' No 5 as part of the tributes.
Attendees also received special pins in Walkes' honor, along with tissues, on arrival.
The ceremony ended with a tribute video, which wrapped the service with an outtake of Walkes saying 'that's is. Let's go. Here's to a great season.'
Walkes was discovered
