ANAHEIM, Calif. — Nick Adenhart, a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, was killed early Thursday in a hit-and-run crash, only hours after making just his fourth Major League start.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Nick Adenhart, a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, was killed early Thursday in a hit-and-run crash, only hours after making just his fourth Major League start.
The 22-year-old Adenhart died after undergoing surgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, hospital spokesman John Murray told The Associated Press.
Two other people traveling with Adenhart were also killed in the accident, in which a minivan ran a red light and struck their sports car. They were identified as 20-year-old Courtney Frances Stewart of Diamond Bar, who was the driver, and a 27-year-old male passenger. A fourth person in the car with Adenhart was hospitalized in critical condition, AP said.
The driver of the minivan fled the scene and was captured by authorities a half-hour later. He was driving on a suspended license due to a previous DUI conviction and is suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash.
“The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, friends, loved ones and fans,” said Angels general manager Tony Reagins in a statement.
Adenhart, a 14th-round pick in the 2004 draft, pitched six scoreless innings Wednesday night against the Oakland Athletics. He got a no-decision after the Athletics rallied late to win 6-4.
Thursday night’s series finale against the Athletics was cancelled.
Adenhart’s teammate Torii Hunter said he’s at a loss for words after the tragic accident.
“I’m in shock right now,” Hunter told ESPN. “He just pitched last night. It doesn’t seem like this is happening.
“This is real life. This isn’t about baseball. This is his whole life, he had his whole life ahead of him. He’s only 22, he’s still a kid. He was a great kid, he was funny, he was very popular in the clubhouse and off the field. People loved him.”
