In a tragic turn of events, former Houston Astros prospect Ronny Garcia, aged 24, and his father were killed in a fatal traffic accident on the Las Galeras-Samaná highway in Samaná, Dominican Republic.
The Houston Astros confirmed the news late on Saturday, sending the baseball community into mourning.
Once a promising pitching prospect for the Astros, Garcia was signed at 16 in 2016, embarking on a journey that intertwined his life with baseball. He showcased his talent with Houston’s affiliates in the Florida Gulf Coast League and the Class A team during the summer of his signing.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Astros prospect Ronny Garcia,” expressed the Astros via a statement posted on social media. “Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
According to MLB reporter Hector Gomez, the accident involved two motorcycles. It claimed the lives of both Garcia and his father. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the baseball fraternity, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from teammates, organizations, and fans alike.
Garcia’s journey in baseball extended beyond his time with the Astros, as he pitched for several minor league organizations, including the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and the Asheville Tourists.
According to the MiLB, Garcia most recently signed with the York Revolution on February 20.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ronny Garcia. Ronny spent parts of three seasons with Fayetteville, always carrying a smile around the ballpark,” expressed the Woodpeckers on X. “He was a talented pitcher and a beloved teammate. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
