Tragedy can strike at any given moment. For South Georgia Tormenta FC, one of the most devastating chapters of our history occurred during the summer of 2022, when Tormenta FC 2 talent Carter David Payne tragically passed away. Payne will live on through his teammates and those who spent time with him. From the USL W League Final to the USL League One Final to the days where everything seemed normal; Payne has been present with Tormenta Nation.
From the Inside
That Saturday, the League One team had a home game against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. As the morning came, so did news of Payne’s accident. Not much was known; however, someone was always with him, by his side. Payne passed away that same afternoon after spending time with his family. After the conclusion of the game, everyone involved at the club, from players to coaching staff members to club interns and club staff, was asked to meet together around 11 p.m. ET that night. Club leadership informed the team about Payne’s passing. From that moment on, unity took over Tormenta FC.
Forever Carter
The importance to keep moving forward helped the Tormenta FC organization continue its journey in all three competitions. As a team, Tormenta FC 2 decided to compete in one more League Two match, coming together in a difficult moment to play the sport Payne so dearly loved. Despite not getting the results needed to pursue a playoff push, Tormenta FC 2 did everything asked of the organization; the team finished the season proudly representing the “Tormenta Way.”
Despite only being in Statesboro for the summer, Payne had a significant impact in the development of the USL Academy team since some of the members of the academy had the opportunity to train with the League Two and League One teams during the week. Following Payne’s passing, the USL Academy team warmed up during USL Academy fixtures in a Payne shirt made by team members to honor Payne’s life and legacy.
Meanwhile, the W League team went on to win the title against the Minnesota Aurora. Before getting to the final, Payne’s “2” jersey traveled with the team everywhere they went, from Starting XI pictures to goal celebrations, Payne’s memory lived through the W League champions. When it was time to lift the trophy in Minnesota, the iconic “2” jersey came out to celebrate with the team, making sure he was present through the moment.
Not only was Payne a member of the Tormenta FC 2 team, he was also a member of Tormenta Nation. In Tormenta FC’s first-ever USL League One Final, Payne was with the team, from start to finish. After the final whistle blew with the score line favoring the Statesboro side, the League One Final MVP, Kazaiah Sterling, asked to wear Payne’s jersey during the final interview, broadcasting live on ESPN2. Sterling received the MVP award and celebrated the night in Payne’s jersey; when lifting the trophy, team captain Gabriel Cabral also wore a shirt to commemorate Payne’s time in Statesboro.
Payne will forever be a part of Tormenta Nation, and as he told me the day he came out of Savannah International Airport with his University of Michigan luggage, “I am here to stay.” Carter, you are here to stay, and will live through the lives of those who spent time with you forever and always.
