Two former Houston Astros players, Luis Valbuena and José Castillo, were killed in a car crash, according to the players' current baseball team.
The Cardenales de Lara, of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, made the announcement overnight.
Estamos viviendo una horrible tragedia en Cardenales de Lara. Perdimos a nuestros jugadores Luis Valbuena y José Castillo en un accidente de tránsito. pic.twitter.com/HPf3LRuxp1
— Cardenales de Lara (@CardenalesDice) December 7, 2018
Valbuena, 33, joined the Major League Baseball in 2008. He played with the Seattle Mariners, the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros, according to MLB.
Castillo, 37, joined MLB in 2004. He played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the San Fransico Giants and the Houston Astros.
We are saddened by the tragic news that Luis Valbuena and former major leaguer José Castillo have died in a car accident. pic.twitter.com/C3nILO00SE
— MLB (@MLB) December 7, 2018
According to ABC13, the men were headed to the city of Barquisimeto for a game against the Bravos de Margarita scheduled for Friday.
The crash reportedly happened when Valbuena and Castillo left the University Stadium at Caracas after playing a game in a Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The car went to the opposite side of the road while trying to avoid a sliding rock.
We are saddened by the passing of former Cub Luis Valbuena.
The #Cubs organization sends its condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2Eh4R8EUMZ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 7, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Angel Luis Valbuena and former MLB infielder José Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/GxegOtJXuB
— Angels (@Angels) December 7, 2018
We send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Mariner Luis Valbuena.
He played the game with passion and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/EhTNeSP5OM
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 7, 2018
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