Former Manchester City academy player Courtney Meppen-Walter has died aged 32, Bury have announced. The defender, who came through the youth ranks at the Etihad Stadium, left the Premier League club after being imprisoned for causing the deaths of a brother and sister while speeding in a car crash aged 18.
Bury confirm death of former player
Bury confirmed the news of his death in a post on X on Tuesday, September 29. The club stated: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at #buryfc are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Meppen-Walter, a defender, most recently turned out for Bury, whom he joined in 2024. He had captained England's Under-18 side while progressing through the youth ranks at Manchester City.
2013 prison sentence and release
In 2013, Meppen-Walter received a 16-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving. The defender killed siblings Kulwant Singh and Ravel Kaur when speeding in his grandfather's Mercedes and colliding with their vehicle in September 2012.
The court was told how, moments prior to the collision, Meppen-Walter had been 'jockeying' and 'playing games' with a friend along a nearby dual carriageway. He was travelling at nearly twice the 30mph speed limit when he struck a Nissan Micra pulling out from a side street. Just four months into his sentence, he was mistakenly released, prompting prison authorities to request Greater Manchester Police return him to custody.
Career after release
Following his release, Meppen-Walter signed for Carlisle, making his senior debut against Tranmere Rovers. He subsequently returned to Manchester after departing in 2015, going on to represent Ashton United, Chorley and Stockport County.
During his time at Chorley, Meppen-Walter received a drink-driving ban. He told Manchester magistrates he was "embarrassed" at being convicted of another driving offence. The court was told he had visited Manchester's Christmas markets, intending to have just one drink, but ended up consuming several. Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 22 months and imposed a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £170 in costs.
In the latter stages of his career, Meppen-Walter went on to play for Telford United, Radcliffe, Guiseley, Nantwich Town and Stalybridge Celtic. Guiseley paid tribute on X, writing: "We are shocked to hear of the passing of Courtney Meppen-Walter. Courtney played for the club between 2022 and 2024 making 28 appearances and winning the 2022/23 Manager's Player of the Season award. Our thoughts are with Courtney's family and friends at this sad time."
