Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura and former major leaguer Andy Marte died on Sunday, Jan. 22 in two separate car accidents in the Dominican Republic. Ventura died on a highway leading to the town of Juan Adrian, about 40 miles northwest of the capital, Santo Domingo. Authorities attribute the death to speeding, although it's still not clear if he was driving the vehicle.
That same morning around 3:00 am, third baseman Andy Marte also died in a car accident in the municipality of Pimentel, from Duarte province. Marte played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He also played in the KBO League for the KT Wiz. He was traveling alone.
According to a source in the Dominican National Police, the player died at the scene of the accident and his body was transferred to an assistance center in Pimentel.
Ironically in 2014, both players advised fans to drive with caution after learning of the death of fellow baseball player Oscar Taveras and his girlfriend on the Puerto Plata-Sosúa road.
Players across the league mourned the loss of Ventura and Marte on social media.
Too much pain and sadness in just a few hours as I mourn the death of these two great Dominican players @YordanoVentura #AndyMarte #rip pic.twitter.com/eqgoHjgsSP
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) January 22, 2017
Thoughts and prayers out to the families of #YordanoVentura and #AndyMarte. Two more young men taken way too soon.
— George Kontos (@G_Kontos) 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
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Pirates minor leaguer Andy Marte and Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) 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
Thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. Another sad day for the game of baseball ⚾️#GoneTooSoon
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) January 22, 2017
Always a tragedy when a life is lost too soon. The Baseball Community took another hit RIP Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura
— Jon Jay 2Js (@jonjayU) January 22, 2017
To the families of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. I send my deepest condolences. RIP. pic.twitter.com/mC9EihLMXg
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 22, 2017
Black sunday for Dominican Republic baseball: Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte died in In different car accidents #RIP
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) January 22, 2017
Heartbreaking. Incredible teammate and man. One of my all time favorites to manage. RIP Andy Marte. https://t.co/meIbaIW4wg
— Phil Nevin (@philnev23) 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.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 22, 2017
RIP. pic.twitter.com/VoIWgLpqcr
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