Former England and Manchester City youth prospect Courtney Meppen-Walter has passed away at the age of 32. His ex-club Bury confirmed the heartbreaking news on Tuesday.
The club issued a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at #buryfc are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Advertisement
Numerous other tributes have poured in for Meppen-Walter, with Guiseley AFC posting: “We are shocked to hear of the passing of Courtney Meppen-Walter. Courtney played for the club between 2022 and 2024 making 28 appearances and winning the 2022/23 Manager’s Player of the Season award. Our thoughts are with Courtney’s family and friends at this sad time.”
-Credit:Matthew Ashton, Corbis via Getty Images
Carlisle United also expressed their grief, stating: “Everyone at Carlisle United are deeply saddened by the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter. All our thoughts are with Courtney’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Meppen-Walter developed through Manchester City’s youth system before joining Carlisle United in 2013, as per The Mirror.
Advertisement
Following a two-year period in the North West, the Bury native had short stints with Ashton United and Chorley in 2016, prior to transferring to Stockport County.
Meppen-Walter subsequently joined Glossop North End in 2017, before making his way back to Chorley the following year. Following another two seasons with the club, he opted to move to AFC Telford United before eventually landing at Redcliffe.
To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HERE
A loan stint with Guiseley proved successful enough for the club to secure him on a permanent deal in 2022. Meppen-Walter then went on to represent Nantwich Town, Bury and Stalybridge Celtic.
Advertisement
The midfielder, who was also capable of operating in defense, accumulated a number of appearances for England at U17 and U18 level, yet never earned a senior call-up for the Three Lions.
Away from the field, Meppen-Walter was sentenced to 16 months in prison in 2013 for careless driving, following a speeding-related car crash in 2012 that tragically claimed the lives of siblings Kulwant Singh, 32, and Ravel Kaur, 37.
He was further handed a 22-month driving ban in 2019 after a drink-driving offense in which he was found to be more than twice over the legal limit.
As part of his sentencing, Meppen-Walter was additionally issued a 12-month community order, required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £170 in costs.
Comments
Advertisement