An absolute tragedy of a story comes out of Fullerton, California this morning as TMZ reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Nick Adenhart, after pitching six scoreless innings in last night's game, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver last night.
The rookie righthander from Silver Springs, Maryland was sideswiped by a van who ran a red light, causing Adenhart's car to hit a light pole. Reportedly another person in the same vehicle, who is part of the Angels organization, also perished. NBC25 says three were killed, with a third person being declared dead at the hospital at 6 a.m. this morning.
The driver of the van drove away but was stopped and arrested for felony hit-and-run.
Not much else is known at this time. Still, this is just one of those stories that can make anyone sick to their stomach. In the wake of the Donté Stallworth incident, where the Browns receiver struck and killed a pedestrian in Miami a month ago, this time the athlete was the victim, and it's just more proof that careless driving affects other people worse than it affects the offender.
Adenhart started three games last year, winning one. He was considered, according to Baseball America, the top prospect in the Angels system.
Our thoughts are with the families of Nick Adenhart and the two other people who passed away this morning.
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Article comments
1 - Stephen
I just watched him pitch a gem of a game last night. My heart is with the families of those who died. I am just stunned!
2 - Tony
I watched him pitch last night too. Actually -- not to geek out too bad -- I had him on my fantasy baseball team also.
93 mph fastball, biting curve; Nick looked great. What a terrible thing to happen to such a young kid.