Former Manchester City academy graduate Courtney Meppen-Walter has died at the age of 32. The news was confirmed by Bury, the club he represented in the latter part of his career. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Bury released a statement saying:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Courtney Meppen-Walter at the age of 32. Everyone at the club sends their condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Meppen-Walter had a promising start to his career, coming through the ranks of Manchester City and becoming captain of the England U18 team. However, his life and career took a tragic turn following a fatal car accident in September 2012.
At just 18 years old, he was behind the wheel of his grandfather's Mercedes, exceeding the speed limit of 30 miles per hour by almost double. His vehicle collided with a Nissan Micra that was pulling out from a side road. The crash resulted in the deaths of siblings Kulwant Singh and Ravel Kaur.
In 2013, Meppen-Walter pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Upon his release, he made a return to football, signing with Carlisle United. He went on to represent several clubs primarily in the lower leagues of England, including Ashton United, Chorley, Stockport County, Telford United, Radcliffe, Guiseley, Nantwich Town, Stalybridge Celtic, and Bury.
Meppen-Walter faced further legal troubles during his career as well. While playing for Chorley, he was disqualified from driving for 22 months due to a drink-driving offence, and he received 12 months of community service along with 80 hours of unpaid work.
Guiseley, for whom he played 28 matches from 2022 to 2024 and won the club's Player of the Season award for 2022/23 as voted by the coaches, also expressed their condolences:
We are devastated by the news of Courtney Meppen-Walter's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
