Ex-Man City participant who killed brother and sister in horror crash dies aged 32
A former Manchester City player has died aged 32 with former clubs paying tribute to the footballer.
Courtney Meppen-Walter, who was an academy product at the Etihad Stadium, left the Premier League giants after he was jailed for causing the death of a brother and sister while speeding in a horror car crash at the age of 18. He went on to play for multiple clubs in non-league football. In a post on X, Bury shared the news of his passing on Tuesday, September 29.
The club said: “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 by trade, last played for Bury – who he signed for in 2024.
Courtney Meppen-Walter was a product of the Manchester City academy (Image:
GETTY
)
He had captained England’s U18 squad while in the youth system at the Etihad. However, in 2013, Meppen-Walter was sentenced to 16 months behind bars when he admitted causing death by careless driving.
The defender killed brother and sister Kulwant Singh and Ravel Kaur when speeding in his grandad’s Mercedes and hitting their car in September 2012. The court heard how, moments before the crash, Meppen-Walter had been ‘jockeying’ and ‘playing games’ with a friend along a nearby dual carriageway.
He was doing nearly double the 30mph speed limit when he hit a Nissan Micra emerging from a side street.
Ravel Kaur was killed in the crash(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Kulwant Singh also died(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Four months after he was sentenced, he was mistakenly set free, leading prison chiefs to ask Greater Manchester Police to return him to behind bars.
After he was released, Meppen-Walter signed for Carlisle, making his senior debut against Tranmere Rovers. He would return to Manchester after leaving in 2015, turning out fort Ashton United, Chorley and Stockport County.
However, while at Chorley, Meppen-Walter was handed a drink driving ban. He told Manchester magistrates he was “embarrassed” at being convicted of another driving offence.
Courtney Meppen-Walter was also banned for drink driving
Courtney Meppen-Walter also represented England at youth level(Image:
GETTY
)
The court heard he had been at Manchester’s Christmas markets and intended to have just one drink but consumed several.
Magistrates banned him from driving for 22 months and ordered him to serve a 12-month community order, do 80 hours’ unpaid work and pay £170 in costs.
In his later career, Meppen-Walter represented Telford United, Radliffe, Guiseley, Nantwich Town and Staybridge Celtic.
Guiseley wrote on X: “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.”
