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Ex-England youth footballer, 38, dies seven years after cardiac arrest changed his life
Oct 01 2026 18:49 · By Scott Trotter,Sports Writer · 9 Reads
A former England youth international has tragically passed away at the age of 38. James Walker, who came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic's academy, died seven years on from suffering a devastating medical emergency.
Walker’s life changed overnight when he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2019, leaving him with serious physical and mental impairments. The devastating incident left him with both physical and mental impairments.
He was said to be demonstrating a somersault to his PE class when the heart issue stopped blood flow to his brain. Walker was in a coma for 15 days and, despite making some recovery, required assistance in a 24-hour care home in Southend.
The former footballer received a great deal of support and saw some progress in rehabilitation before suffering another cardiac arrest in November last year that dramatically impacted his mobility, though he regained some consciousness and hearing.
Walker died midway through last month and his funeral has been arranged for October 28 in Southend.
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Walker enjoyed a lengthy career in English football and represented England at the under-17 level. A product of Charlton, he went on to spend time at Leyton Orient, Southend United, Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers and several other clubs throughout his career.
His most successful spell came at Southend, and the club plan to pay tribute to their former player. The Shrimpers released an official statement that read: "Southend United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player James Walker at the age of 38.
"James made 54 appearances between 2008 and 2010 for the Shrimpers, scoring eight goals. A product of Charlton Athletic's academy, James also represented the likes of Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Notts County, Yeovil Town and Gillingham, before suffering a massive cardiac arrest in 2019 which resulted in significant physical and mental impairments.
"In May 2023, Southend United Ex-Player Association (SUEPA) organised a benefit match to raise funds to support James' recovery. Steve Tilson and Paul Brush led a Southend United Legends team packed full of Shrimpers heroes who all came together to show their support for James.
"On Saturday we will be conducting a minutes applause in his honour ahead of kick-off. Rest in peace, James."
In a bid to support James during his recovery, the Southend United Ex-Player Association organised a fundraising benefit match in 2023. They announced his passing.
A social media post read: "It is with great sadness that we announce that former Southend United player James Walker, aged just 38, passed away peacefully in his sleep on 19th September. His funeral will be on 28th October - further details are at https://facebook.com/SUEPAssoc RIP James, forever a Shrimper."
His former club Yeovil have also posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, which read: "Everyone at Yeovil Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Glover James Walker, aged 38.
"James made 13 appearances for the Glovers during his loan spell from Charlton Athletic, scoring three goals. Rest in peace, James."