Nick Adenhart, Angels pitcher, killed in Fullerton crash

He was the starting pitcher last night for the Angels I am attaching 2 seperate articles as there is speculation at this point that someone else from the Angels organization may have also died. This story is just now breaking and even espn isnt reporting it yet.



Angels' pitcher Nick Adenhart was among the three killed in a crash in Fullerton when a driver ran a red light, an associate of the rookie player said this morning. The crash occurred only hours after the 22-year-old appeared in Wednesday night's Angels game.

The accident occurred shortly after midnight at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street in Fullerton, said Lt. Craig Brower of the Fullerton Police Department.


Several witnesses told police the driver of a red minivan ran a red light at the intersection, hitting a silver Mitsubishi carrying four passengers. Two people in the Mitsubishi were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, authorities said. Two others also in the Mitsubishi were taken to a nearby hospital, where one was later pronounced dead, Brower said.

The driver of the minivan fled on foot, but police found him about a mile away and took him into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run, Brower said. Further charges are pending as the investigation continues, he said.

A passenger in the minivan was taken to Western Medical Center, authorities said. The condition of that person was unknown. A third vehicle also was struck, but there were no reports that anyone inside was hurt. Authorities said the intersection will be closed at least until noon as the investigation continues.

2nd story

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.

yeah that is very sad, just heard about it on the news. As always a reminder on how life is too short and nothing is a guarantee.

Angels Release Statement on Nick Adenhart

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the family of Nick Adenhart just released a joint statement on the tragic death of the 22-year-old starting pitcher:

Angels Baseball this morning announced the passing of right-hander Nick Adenhart, the victim of a fatal automobile accident in Fullerton, CA. Two other individuals were also killed in the incident.

Adenhart, 22, was a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi along with three others. Fullerton Police reported the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection, when a van ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle. A female driver and male passenger in the Mitsubishi were dead when police and fire department personnel arrived. Adenhart died as the result of his injuries at UCI Medical Center earlier this morning. No other members of the Angels organization were involved.

Adenhart pitched a masterful six innings in last night's game against Oakland (6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 SO), leaving with a 4-0 lead before a late-inning rally resulted in a 6-4 Angels defeat.


Originally drafted by the Angels in the 14th round of the June, 2004 draft, Adenhart was in his fifth professional season and made the Angels Opening Day roster for the first time. He opened the 2009 campaign with a 37-28 career minor league record and a 3.87 ERA (506.2 IP - 218 ER). Adenhart made his Major League debut last May 1 against Oakland. At the time, he was the youngest active-roster pitcher in the majors.

Adenhart earned his spot in the Angels rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA (26 IP - 9 ER) over the course of six starts. During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls.

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."

Angels General Manager Tony Reagins issued the following statement on behalf of the club:

"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."

Memorial services are pending.

Really a sad story. He pitched like a champ last night and had alot of promise.
It appears though that the speculation that perhaps someone else from the Angels organization may have been killed in the same accident was not true. R.I.P. Nick