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Phoenix native soccer player killed in Georgia crash

Carter Payne, who had played soccer at the Barcelona Residency Academy in Casa Grande, died after a car collision on Saturday.

STATESBORO, Ga. — Former University of Michigan soccer player and Phoenix native Carter Payne died after a car crash in Georgia on Saturday.

Payne was riding a scooter before he was struck by a vehicle that then fled the scene, according to WTOC News.

The young athlete's death was announced by South Georgia Tormenta FC. Payne had been a member of Tormenta FC 2’s 2022 USL League. 

"Payne was a tremendous athlete, teammate and friend, and he will be sorely missed by everyone involved at the club," Tormenta FC wrote in a statement.

"You don't plan for this so we've wrapped our arms around each other a lot," said Darin Van Tassell, the owner of Tormenta FC.

Van Tassell said Payne's death has taken an emotional toll on those who love him.

We were sharing all our favorite memories of Carter, they were making us smile," Van Tassell said.  

In addition to playing for the University of Michigan, Payne had played soccer for the Barcelona Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona. 

"Carter was an extraordinary brother, teammate, and student-athlete who will be sorely missed," Barcelona Residency Academy wrote in a statement.

According to Payne's profile on Max Preps, he had also attended Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix.

SC del Sol, a Phoenix-based youth soccer club, says Payne had played for them.

The Ibis Foundation has created "The Carter Payne Fund" to accept donations on behalf of Payne's family.

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