According to The Sun, former Manchester City academy player Courtney Meppen-Walter has passed away at the age of 32.

Former Manchester City academy player Courtney Meppen-Walter has died, with his former club Bury FC confirming the news.

The club statement confirmed that Meppen-Walter passed away at the age of 32.

The defender was a Manchester City academy product and also captained England's U18 team.

Meppen-Walter also played for clubs including Carlisle, Stockport, Chorley, and Telford United.

Bury FC released a statement on social media, saying: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, aged 32.

"All our thoughts at #buryfc are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

He was released by Bury FC last summer.

The specific circumstances of his death have not yet been disclosed.

Nantwich Town FC, another of his former clubs, also posted a moving tribute. Chairman Jon Gold said: "Courtney was a real character with a kind heart, who quickly endeared himself to the Nantwich fans and his teammates, and was widely admired for his infectious leadership.

"He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. While he unfortunately had some dark moments in his life, he never shied away from them. The Courtney we knew was always positive and uplifting. At this incredibly sad time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and everyone who knew him."

Similarly, Guiseley AFC, where Meppen-Walter played from 2022 to 2024, noted that he won their Player of the Season award in the 2022/23 season. The club said: "We are shocked to hear the news of the passing of Courtney Meppen-Walter.

"Our thoughts are with Courtney's family and friends at this sad time."

In 2013, Meppen-Walter was sentenced to 16 months in prison for causing the deaths of a brother and sister by dangerous driving.

In the 2012 incident, he killed 32-year-old Kulwant Singh and 37-year-old Ravinder Kaur.

In 2019, Meppen-Walter appeared in court again for drink-driving. He was caught driving with more than double the legal alcohol limit.

A police breathalyzer test showed he had 85 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, with the legal limit being 35 micrograms.

He ultimately avoided jail but was banned from driving for 22 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £170 in court costs.

Chorley FC, his club at the time, subsequently issued a statement saying he "got what he deserved and no amount of criticism would be too harsh."

The court heard that Meppen-Walter, a father of one, pleaded guilty, and while he admitted the facts of the case, he claimed he did not resist arrest as described.

A probation report submitted before sentencing noted that, given his previous conviction, this drink-driving offense reflected his "poor judgment" and that "again he failed to consider the consequences of his actions."

Defense barrister Catriona MacLachlan said: "The most important mitigating factor in this case is his genuine remorse, which has always been evident. He is truly sorry for his actions.

"This was a mistake, and the only alcohol-related lapse in his record."

The court also heard that alcohol was not a factor in the deaths of Mr. Singh and Ms. Kaur. The pair had come to the UK from Afghanistan in 2001 to escape Taliban persecution and start a new life.

Before sentencing, the chair of the bench, Margaret Hutchinson, asked Meppen-Walter if he wished to say anything about the current case.

He replied: "I know what you are probably thinking, and I know what everyone else will be thinking. I will probably get a lot of abuse, and I deserve it. I just feel embarrassed."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com