Major League Baseball is mourning the loss of two players who died in separate car accidents on the same day. Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte were both killed in the Dominican Republic Sunday (Jan. 22).
Marte, a former infielder for the Cleveland Indians, was killed after the Mercedes Benz that he was driving collided with a house.
The 33-year-old professional athlete was born in the Dominican Republic and currently playing for Las Aguilas Cibaeñas, a team in the Caribbean nation’s winter baseball league.
Ventura, also born in the Dominican Republic, was a 25-year-old pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. According to ESPN’s Cristian Morenol, Ventura was driving under the influence at the time of his fatal car accident.
Same day, separate sole death accidents of #MLB players @YordanoVentura & Andy Marte, similar circumstance; both said to be under influence.
— Cristian Moreno (@CristianMorenoD) January 22, 2017
The MLB Players Association released a statement on the “tragic passing” of both players.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura. It’s never easy to lose a member of our fraternity, and there are no words to describe the feeling of losing two young men in the prime of their lives,” said MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, teammates and fans throughout the United States and Latin America.”
Check below for condolences from MLB teams and players.
We are heartbroken. #RipAce pic.twitter.com/1LXyGwxwZ0
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 22, 2017
Sad to learn of Andy Marte’s death this morning. He was a genuine person who always greeted you with a warm smile.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/VoIWgLpqcr
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 22, 2017
The Yankees are saddened to learn of the passing of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. Our deepest condolences to their families and friends.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) January 22, 2017
The Dodgers send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte over their tragic passing.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 22, 2017
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte.
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 22, 2017
I love you Ace. I don’t know what to say other then I’m going to miss you a lot. RIP ACE.
— Mike Moustakas (@Mooose_8) January 22, 2017
We are devastated by the tragic news that Yordano Ventura, 25, has died in an automobile accident. https://t.co/RXibkDJMHZ pic.twitter.com/S7RszxJF8d
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2017
We mourn the passing of former Major Leaguer Andy Marte, 33, who died in an automobile accident.https://t.co/6thV6s3X6v pic.twitter.com/u7hkW5SaIb
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2017
RIP Yordano Ventura. Damn. Just horrible.
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) January 22, 2017
We mourn the passing of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. Condolences and prayers to their families and friends.
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) January 22, 2017
RIP to a true competitor, a loyal teammate, a young star who was great for the game, we had our battles and he earned our #respect God Bless pic.twitter.com/5MrQFzgj85
— Huston Street (@HustonStreet) January 22, 2017
Speachless right now. The world lost a great teammate and competitor today. You will be missed Yordano Ventura. Rest In Peace ACE
— Brooks Pounders (@BrooksPounders) January 22, 2017
Prayers and thoughts for the families of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. Sad day for our baseball family. Life is so precious. #GoneTooSoon
— James McCann (@JamesMcCann34) January 22, 2017
Sending prayers to the families, friends and teammates of these two young men taken way to soon. #YordanoVentura #AndyMarté #MLBFamily pic.twitter.com/vN1gSOCEMc
— Jason Motte (@JMotte30) January 22, 2017
The Cubs send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte, and to the entire @MLB community.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2017
Deeply saddened and shocked by Yordano Ventura’s & Andy Marte’s passings. Sending out my thoughts and prayers.
— Russell Martin (@russellmartin55) January 22, 2017