Former Manchester City and England youth footballer Courtney Meppen-Walter dies aged 32

Former Manchester City and England under-18 footballer Courtney Meppen-Walter has died suddenly at the age of 32. Bury FC confirmed the news in a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, with no details surrounding the cause of death disclosed.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32,” Bury FC said. “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Bury FC are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Meppen-Walter, who lived in Heywood and was a father, came through Manchester City’s academy and represented England at under-18 level. He also had spells at Carlisle United and Stockport County before going on to play for a number of non-league clubs across the north-west of England.

In February 2013, when he was 18 years old, Meppen-Walter was sentenced to 16 months in prison after a car he was driving struck a red Nissan Micra in Cheetham Hill while travelling at nearly twice the 30mph speed limit. The collision killed Kulwant Singh, 32, who was at the wheel of the Micra, and his 37-year-old sister Ravel Kaur, both from Salford. A court heard that Meppen-Walter had been “showboating” in a silver Mercedes at the time of the crash.

Tributes have begun to be paid following the announcement of his death.