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. Courtney Meppen-Walter’s family have paid tribute to a ‘truly special soul’ after his death. Pictured left Ex-England youth star Meppen-Walter has passed away at the age of 32Meppen-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 became a father for the third time in July. Pictured in 2010 Meppen-Walter was jailed in 2013 for causing the death of two people by dangerous driving Brother and sister Kulwant Singh and Ravel-Kaur died following the high-speed crash in ManchesterMeppen-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.’