St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras reportedly has died in a car crash in his home country of the Dominican Republic, according to his agent and from reports in the country and it comes after the 22-year-old prospect appeared in the playoffs with the Cards, hitting a home run in the NLCS.
According to ESPN.com and other media reports, Taveras was in a car accident and died from his injuries sustained in the crash, which occured while he was driving on a highway in the Doninican Republic. Taveras's agent released a confirmation of the news and the GM of the team John Mozeliak did not officially confirm and said that the team was "waiting for more information."
Taveras was reportedly driving from Sousa and that is located close to where he is originally from in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Taveras was signed as a free agent in 2008 out of the country and was considered to be one of the top prospects for the Cardinals in their system. Taveras played with the team this season and appeared on the playoff roster, hitting a game tying home run against the Giants in Game 2 of the NLCS this year.
Taveras made it through the minors fairly quick and the Cardinals had high hopes for the young prospect after he made his major league debut this year. Taveras played in 80 games and ended up hitting .239 in 248 at-bats and he also played in seven games in the postseason. The Cardinals made it to the NLCS and lost to the Giants and now the Cardinals and Taveras's family are dealing with a tragic situation.
ESPN.com reports that the crash killed his girlfriend as well and that more details are not currently known as of Sunday night. ABC reports that the car slid off the road while Taveras was driving and that the Dominican National Police confirmed the crash. Taveras made his debut on May 31 and played in 80 games while hitting three home runs with 22 RBIs this year and he also hit a home run in his first game.