Angels Starting Pitcher Killed After Ball Game

[Guest patriot117]

Angels Starting Pitcher Killed After Ball Game

Posted Apr 9th 2009 10:49AM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a felony hit-and-run car accident in Fullerton, California early this morning -- hours after he pitched in a game last night.

Cops say someone driving a minivan blew through a red light, causing the Mitsubishi that Adenhart was riding in to hit a light pole. Three people were killed in the crash, including Nick.

Cops say the person driving the van fled the scene -- but was later caught and charged with felony hit-and-run. The suspect is currently being treated for injuries in a local hospital.

We're told one of the other men killed in the crash was also affiliated with the Angels organization.

Nick was 22 years old.

[Guest patriot117]

More reliable source.

Angels pitcher killed in crash ESPN.com news services

Nick Adenhart, a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, died in a hit-and-run car crash early Thursday morning, just hours after pitching in a game in Anaheim.

University of California, Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said Adenhart died after undergoing surgery.

Adenhart, 22, was one of three people killed in the crash just after midnight local time, after pitching in a loss against the Oakland Athletics. He got a no-decision after six scoreless innings, giving up seven hits, striking out five and walking three in just his fourth major league start.

The driver of a minivan ran a red light in Fullerton and hit two cars. According to the Los Angeles Times, two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and two were taken to a hospital. The fourth person is reported to be seriously injured.

The Times reported that the minivan's driver ran from the scene, but was arrested about a mile away.

Adenhart, a 6-foot-3, 185-pounder from Silver Spring, Md., made his major league debut on May 1, 2008. He has spent most of his time since with Triple-A Salt Lake, but got his break this year with a good spring training and the fact the team needed help in the starting rotation, with John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar all starting on the disabled list.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[RustedCutlass]

All because somebody wasn't paying attention or was trying to beat the light.  >

A tragic end to a young and perhaps promising career. My prayers go out to this young man's family today, and to the families of all those involved.

[bullets13]

terrible story... and just hours after only his 4th major league start... this is certainly a tragedy.

[Cheermom4]

Very sad and tragic. 

[SHS_ATW]

The driver who ran the light better get life in prison. 3 people killed and 1 in ICU, it's just not right.

[SeTxTigers15]

this is so tragic. such a bright future.  :'( :'( :'(

[GCB211]

Very Tragic, Prayers to family

[WC1]

The driver who ran the light better get life in prison. 3 people killed and 1 in ICU, it's just not right.

I heard he we drunk, IMO the death penalty is appropriate here.

[SHS_ATW]

The driver who ran the light better get life in prison. 3 people killed and 1 in ICU, it's just not right.

I heard he we drunk, IMO the death penalty is appropriate here.

Not only drunk, he was driving w/ a suspended license from a previous DUI.

[OldSkool97]

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)—A 22-year-old man was charged with three murder counts and drunken driving Friday in the crash that killed Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others.

Andrew Thomas Gallo ran a red light in his minivan early Thursday and broadsided a car carrying Adenhart and three friends, police said.

“At the time of the crash, Mr. Gallo’s blood-alcohol content is estimated to be almost three times the legal limit,†Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said.

Gallo could receive almost 55 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges, Rackauckas said.

Adenhart died at a hospital, hours after pitching six scoreless innings in his season debut against Oakland. He was to be remembered before the start of Friday night’s Angels game against the Boston Red Sox.

“This Angel and his two friends were too young to be sent to heaven but the defendant selfishly and recklessly (got) behind the wheel after getting drunk. They didn’t have a choice. Bad decision, blink of an eye, five lives ended, including the defendant’s life is wrecked,†Rackauckas said at a news conference.

Gallo will likely be assigned a public defender at his first court appearance, scheduled for Monday.

Gallo also was charged with driving under the influence causing injury, and driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08 percent causing injury with a sentencing enhancement that he personally inflicted great bodily injury. In addition, he was charged with fleeing the scene of a traffic accident causing death or injury.

Fullerton police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said homicide detectives interviewed Gallo for nearly four hours Thursday. “There was a lot to talk about,†Hamilton said, without disclosing details.