Former England youth international James Walker has died at the age of 38. Walker, a product of Charlton Athletic’s academy, played 54 times for Southend United between 2008 and 2010.
Walker suffered a cardiac arrest in 2019 while teaching a PE class, which resulted in severe physical and mental impairments. In May 2023, Southend’s former players’ association hosted a benefit match to help raise money for his recovery.
Southend United will hold a minute’s applause in his honour before Saturday’s National League game against Fylde at Roots Hall. Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient have also released statements expressing their condolences.