Former Manchester City footballer Courtney Meppen-Walter had become a father for the third time just weeks before his sudden death at the age of 32, it has emerged.
The death of the Bury-born defender and former England under-18 international was announced by one of his former clubs, Bury FC, on Tuesday, September 30. No further details, including the cause of his death, have yet been revealed.
Meppen-Walter, who lived in Heywood, became a father for the third time just months before his death, according to reports. They say he welcomed a second daughter. Family and friends of Meppen-Walter, who also has a son, are said to have held a candlelight vigil and set off fireworks in his memory.
Promising career and conviction
Meppen-Walter was once seen as a player with great promise but was released by City in 2013 after being convicted of killing a brother and sister in a car crash.
Then aged 18, he was locked up for 16 months after a silver Mercedes Elegance CDI car he was 'showboating in' ploughed into a red Nissan Micra while travelling nearly twice the 30mph speed limit in Cheetham Hill in September 2012. The impact killed Kulwant Singh, 32, who was driving the Micra, and his 37-year-old sister Ravel Kaur, who was a front-seat passenger, both from Salford.
Moments earlier, Meppen-Walter had been 'jockeying' and 'playing games' with a friend in a VW Golf along a nearby dual carriageway, a court heard.
Later career and tributes
Following his release by City, he played for Carlisle United, Stockport County, and a number of non-league clubs across the region. His last club was Stalybridge Celtic, last year, where he was on loan from Bury.
Bury said in their statement: "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 Bury FC are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
