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View Full Version : Angels' Adenhart killed in accident Rookie right-hander dies in three-car hit-and-run crash



northbabylon
04-09-2009, 16:05
Angels rookie right-hander Nick Adenhart died early Thursday morning after a hit-and-run car accident in Fullerton, Calif.

The Angels said that Adenhart, 22, died as a result of his injuries after undergoing surgery at University of California-Irvine Medical Center. No other members of the Angels organization were involved, the club said.

Thursday's scheduled game against the A's was postponed. No decisions about a makeup game had been made.

"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said in a statement issued by the club. "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."

A man and a woman who were with Adenhart were killed and another person was seriously injured in the accident, which involved three vehicles. Authorities were blaming the accident on a motorist who ran a red light with his van and then fled the scene on foot. He was later found and taken into custody.

Adenhart was one of four occupants in a silver Mitsubishi. Fullerton Police reported the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection, when a van ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle. The Mitsubishi slammed into a light pole.

Adenhart made his season debut against Oakland on Wednesday night, shutting out the A's for six innings in a game the Angels eventually lost, 6-4.

A 14th-round Draft choice in 2004, Adenhart made his Major League debut on May 1 last season and made three starts, winning one of them.

Adenhart is survived by his father Jim and mother Janet. His family released the following statement:

"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

Born in Silver Spring, Md., Adenhart attended Williamsport (Md.) High School and was a top prospect who was projected to be selected early in the first round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. But he sustained an elbow injury two weeks before to the Draft and underwent Tommy John surgery and ended up being drafted by the Angels in the 14th round.

Given a chance to make the Angels' rotation this spring because of injuries to John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana, Adenhart impressed manager Mike Scioscia by going 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 26 Spring Training innings.

"This is tragic," Angels center Torii Hunter said on MLB Network. "I can't imagine what it's like for his parents. He was only 22."




I was watching this game last night...its such a shame...=(

Minimus
04-09-2009, 16:23
Holy crap! This was also on yahoo's front page, how did I forget to post it? I gotta say, instead of attending these forums, everyone should just refresh yahoo every 30 minutes or so.