The 25-Year-Old Died Near Miami Marine Stadium Basin
Multiple reports indicate that 25-year-old Major League Soccer player Anton Walkes died in a Miami boating accident in January of this year. The fatal crash was between two boats near the Miami Marine Stadium basin.
As reported by CBS News the professional soccer player was a defender for Charlotte FC. The Major League Soccer team had come to Fort Lauderdale a few weeks before the deadly accident to begin preseason training. Walkes had extensive experience having played for Tottenham (an English Premier League club), Portsmouth, and Atlanta United.
There has been an outpouring of support for the soccer player who was set to begin his second season with Charlotte FC. A match that had been scheduled with another organization was canceled after the announcement of the defender’s death. In addition to being a celebrated soccer player, Walkes was a young father.
What Caused the Fatal Boat Crash?
Shortly after the accident, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released information from their investigation indicating that Walkes was a passenger on a personal watercraft at the time of the crash, according to WSVN. The PWC collided with another boat in Biscayne Bay.
The Major League Soccer player was found unconscious by first responders. He was transported to a local hospital but later passed away. The investigation into what caused the accident is ongoing.
Was Another Professor Athlete Killed in a Boating Accident?
CBS News also reported on another professor athlete that was killed in a boating accident in Miami. In 2016, a young star for the Miami Marlins died after his boat crashed into a jetty. In addition to the pitcher, two other people were killed in the fatal accident.
Why Do Boat Accidents Happen?
While the accident that killed Anton Walkes continues to be investigated, Florida Fish and Wildlife suggests that carelessness and inattention are some of the leading causes of recreational boating accidents in the state.
Florida continues to lead the nation in boating accidents. In 2021 alone, the state had 70 fatal boating accidents. The majority of the deaths resulted from falls overboard. Most of the crashes happened while the vessel was cruising. The primary cause of death was drowning followed by trauma.
Over 80% of boat operators involved in fatal crashes had no boater education. Alcohol or drug use was a factor in approximately 23% of the cases. Tragically, many boating accidents are preventable.
What Are Common Injuries Related to Boating Accidents?
While not all boating accidents are fatal, many result in serious injuries. There were 469 boating injuries reported in 2021. The most common type of injury was lacerations followed by contusions, broken bones, and head injuries. Nearly 60% of the people injured were occupants in a vessel. 57% of the injury victims were not wearing a personal floatation device (PFD).
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