Urgent: Ex-MLB Catcher Jesús Montero Dies in Traffic Accident

UPDATE: Former MLB catcher Jesús Montero has tragically died at the age of 35 following a severe traffic accident in Venezuela, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Montero, who played for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, was critically injured when his motorcycle collided with a truck on October 4, 2023.

After more than a week in the hospital, Montero could not recover from multiple injuries sustained in the crash. His untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the Venezuelan baseball community, prompting an outpouring of grief across social media platforms.

“Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero … leaving behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game,”

the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League stated on X. They continued,

“Today, baseball mourns his passing. But it also remembers him with gratitude: for every home run that thrilled the fans, for every day in which he proudly defended his country’s colors, and for every young person who saw in him an example that dreams can be achieved.”

Montero’s career spanned several teams, with notable performances in 2011 for the Yankees and through 2015 with the Mariners. During his brief major league tenure, he played 226 games, batting .253, hitting 28 home runs, and accumulating 104 RBIs. His time in MLB was marred by suspensions, including a 50-game ban in 2016 for testing positive for a stimulant.

The former catcher also shined in the Venezuelan Winter League, playing six seasons with teams such as Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara, and Águilas del Zulia. He retired at 31 after the 2020-2021 season, leaving behind a legacy that inspired countless young athletes.

What happens next remains uncertain as the baseball community and fans alike mourn the loss of an athletic icon. Montero’s impact on Venezuelan baseball will be felt for years to come, as tributes continue to pour in from fans and fellow players.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on the roads. For updates, stay tuned as more details emerge regarding Montero’s legacy and the response from the baseball community.