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Sport

Former England youth international James Walker dies aged 38 after life changed by cardiac arrest

Former England youth international James Walker has died at the age of 38, Southend United announced, after a cardiac arrest in 2019 while working as a PE teacher left him with serious physical and mental impairments.

By Tom Ellery · · 1 min read

Former England youth international James Walker has died at the age of 38, Southend United announced on October 1.

“Southend United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player James Walker at the age of 38,” the club said in a statement. “James made 54 appearances between 2008 and 2010 for the Shrimpers, scoring eight goals.” The club said it would hold a minute’s applause in his honour ahead of Saturday’s National League match against AFC Fylde.

Walker, a product of Charlton Athletic’s academy, played for Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Notts County, Yeovil Town and Gillingham, and represented England at under-17 level before switching allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda in 2012, for whom he won one cap.

His life changed in February 2019 when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest while working as a PE teacher, which stopped the flow of blood to his brain and left him with significant physical and mental impairments, requiring 24-hour care. In May 2023 the Southend United Ex-Players Association organised a benefit match to support his recovery. He suffered a further cardiac arrest last November, talkSPORT reported.

Yeovil Town, for whom Walker played on loan from Charlton in 2007/08, said: “Everyone at Yeovil Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Glover James Walker, aged 38. Rest in peace, James.”

No cause of death has been announced. Southend’s ex-players association confirmed his funeral would be held on October 28.

Sources

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