The family of tragic footballer Courtney Meppen-Walter have paid tribute to a 'truly special soul' following his death aged 32. 

Ex-England Under 18 captain Meppen-Walter's passing was announced by his current club, Bury, on Tuesday. No details have been announced regarding the circumstances of the defender's death. 

The footballer, who was let go by Manchester City after he was jailed for 16 months for causing the death of two people by careless driving, had spells at Ashton United, Stockport County, Glossop North End, Chorley, AFC Telford United, Radcliffe, Guiseley, Nantwich Town, Bury and Stalybridge Celtic.

On Wednesday night, his family paid tribute to the 32-year-old - who had become a father for a third time in July - while launching a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of his funeral.

'Courtney was an unforgettable Dad, partner, son, brother, friend, and an unforgettable player,' the statement read. 'He was someone who made an impression on everyone he met, and his absence will be felt by so many people who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

'Courtney was a truly special soul. He was the kind of person who could bring light into every room he walked into. He brought laughter to every table, could turn an ordinary moment into a memory, and had the incredible ability to make friends with a chair. That was just Courtney — his personality, his humour, and the way he made people feel comfortable around him were something that cannot be replaced.

'He had a way of making people smile, even when they were having a difficult day. Whether you knew him as family, a friend, a teammate, or simply someone you crossed paths with, there is no doubt that Courtney left his mark.'

A candle light vigil was held for Meppen-Walter on Tuesday night, with family and friends releasing balloons and fireworks in honour of the 32-year-old. 

In a separate fundraiser benefiting his partner and three children – the youngest an 11-week-old baby – relatives described Mr Meppen-Walter as a ‘big friendly giant’ who had been ‘taken from our world suddenly and unexpectedly’.

In the online appeal, Katie Downs tells how her sister Sarah has been left facing the ‘unimaginable task of dealing with her own heartbreak whilst still trying to be the best mother that she possibly can’ for their children, of which the elder pair are aged ten and two.

Describing the footballer as having been ‘the absolute centre’ of their world, it says they have now been ‘left without their father, their protector and their provider’.

The appeal sets out how Mr Meppen-Walter was ‘taken from our world suddenly and unexpectedly’ on Monday, September 28.

‘The amount of love and respect shown for Courtney in such a small amount of time has been overwhelming and just proves that he was a very well known and loved person by many.

‘He was our big friendly giant that brought so much happiness and laughter to our lives. He was also an amazing father who always loved and provided for his family.

‘No amount of money can ever replace him or take away their pain however by coming together, we hope that we can take away some of the financial burden and provide them some breathing space during an unimaginably difficult time.

‘Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go towards supporting his partner and children as they navigate the days, weeks and months ahead & towards his children’s future.

‘Thank you in advance for anybody who is capable of giving donations to his beautiful little family.’

The GoFundMe appeal – which had an initial target of £1,000 – has so far raised more than £17,000.

Mr Meppen-Walter’s death has been referred to the local coroner, but an inquest has not so far been scheduled as his cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Meppen-Walter had been part of Manchester City's youth set-up and captained England's Under-18 side. He was released by Man City in 2013 after he was jailed for 16 months for causing the death of two people by careless driving.

Kulwant Singh, 32, and his sister Ravel Kaur, 37, were both pronounced dead at the scene following a high-speed crash in Manchester. 

Meppen-Walter was released after serving half of that sentence.

The defender joined Carlisle United following his release from prison and spent two seasons at the Cumbrian side.

Meppen-Walter was released by Bury in the summer of 2025 after a loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic.

In 2019, when Meppen-Walter was playing for Chorley, he was banned from being behind the wheel for 22 months after he was caught drink-driving.

Meppen-Walter had been found to have been more than twice the legal limit when he was stopped in his vehicle by police in Manchester city centre.

The footballer had been arrested and taken to a police station where he gave a positive reading of 85 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35mcg. 

Meppen-Walter was also ordered to serve a 12-month community order, as well as completing 80 hours of unpaid work.

'I know what you are probably thinking and what everyone else is thinking,’ Meppen-Walter said in court.

‘I will probably get called every name under the sun and I deserve it. I'm just embarrassed.'

The court had heard that alcohol played no part in the deaths of Mr Singh and Ms Kaur who had come to the UK from Afghanistan in 2001 to start a new life after fleeing persecution by the Taliban.

A pre-sentence probation report noted his drink-driving reflected 'poor judgment' when considering his previous conviction and that 'again he has failed to consider the consequences of his actions'.

Caitriona McLaughlin, defending, said: 'The most significant mitigation in this case is his genuine remorse which has been reflected throughout. He is truly sorry for his actions.

'It was a mistake and it is the one and only drink mistake on his record.'

Chairwoman of the bench Margaret Hutchinson said: 'We hope this will be a lesson to you and we will not see you in court again.

'Drink-driving is a very serious matter and the consequences could have been much graver than today.'