[Medpatient]

Angels pitcher reported dead in crash that killed 3
Questions center on identities of those involved in deadly accident.
By EUGENE W. FIELDS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 45 | Recommend 23

FULLERTON – Three people were killed and another person was seriously injured at an intersection in Fullerton early this morning in a three-vehicle crash that authorities said was caused by a motorist who ran a red light.

The accident occurred at East Orangethorpe Avenue and South Lemon Street just after midnight, said Fullerton police Lt. Craig Brower.

Police have not released the names of the people involved.

The Angels radio station 830 AM is reporting that starting pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in the crash.

This morning, The Orange County Register has been receiving calls from people asking if Adenhart was involved in a fatal crash.

A person answering the phone at his grandfather's home in Fairplay, Md., said the Angels were holding a news conference later today.

Angels Vice President Tim Mead said: "We're having a hard time getting our heads around this" and declined futher comment.

ESPN called the Register after receiving calls that Adenhart was involved in the crash.

A nurse from a hospital from Adenhart's hometown called asking for information after one of his high school teammates told her Adenhart was involved.

Brower said two of the vehicles – one traveling on Lemon, the other on Orangethorpe – crashed in the intersection.

One vehicle, a gray Mitsubishi, slammed into a light pole. The other vehicle was a minivan.

Two of the occupants in the Mitsubishi were declared dead at the scene and a third died just after 6 a.m. The fourth occupant is at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange in critical condition, Brower said.

Brower said the driver of the van fled the scene, was later captured and charged with felony hit-and-run. The passenger of the van was taken to Western Medical Center-Anaheim with minor injuries.

A third vehicle, which was stopped in the intersection, was also struck in the accident but sustained only minor damage, and its driver was not hurt, Brower said.

Brower said that intersection is estimated to be closed until about noon.

[gar3618]

I just caught this on ESPN.. saw news for the Angel's organization and the Adenhart family. Always sad to hear this kind of news.

[gopers]

The driver of the van needs to be executed, no court date, no good byes to his family, just cap the asshole in the head! When is this country going to get tough with drunk drivers?

[iconoclast]

Oh, no.

Nick was only 22 years old. He just pitched last night. He had a great life to live...

I lost my mother in a similar accident. The devastation this will continue to have on the
families cannot be described. It persists throughout the lives of the survivors. I know.

I am not a religious man, but I am praying to the powers that be to help the families
right now. The overwhelming grief. The injustice of this loss of life, will be too much
for them. Please send your positive thoughts to the families of all of the victims of this
tragedy. Every bit of genuine kind human spirit helps.

-iconoclast

[KushMeister]

I heard this on the news this morning, and was just sickened.
What a life this young, talented kid had ahead of him.
Pitched 6 shutout innings in his season debut last night.

Prayers of healing sent to his family.

[BrattonBasher]

I watched him pitch last night. I was pissed at the bullpen for squandering the great outing Nick had. This is so tragic.

[delta9gamma]

This breaks my heart. SO FUCKING TRAGIC.

I cant believe marijuana is illegal and alcohol isn't.

[oc_herbavor]

wow this is awful, i feel for his family. I just recently lost a great friend of mine who I played soccer with at my college, he was only 19. I am 22 right now and this news that I heard this morning is so surreal. I dont understand why this happens to young people who have their whole lives ahead of them. It just goes to show you, you dont know when your time is up, so live your life to the fullest. peace

[Medpatient]

Originally Posted by oc_herbavor

wow this is awful, i feel for his family. I just recently lost a great friend of mine who I played soccer with at my college, he was only 19. I am 22 right now and this news that I heard this morning is so surreal. I dont understand why this happens to young people who have their whole lives ahead of them. It just goes to show you, you dont know when your time is up, so live your life to the fullest. peace

Hey OC, was that the kid who collapsed after the pick up game at Champan U. I live right up the street from there. that was as well another tragic episode.

[pokealotasmot]

Damn, this is some news nobody wants to hear. RIP to a great young talent.

[juangoodman]

Life is so short. Such a tragedy. Tonight's game is cancelled. Updated details: http://www.knx1070.com/Angels--Pitch...s-Game/4172875



Adenhart, 22, died in surgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Fullerton police said in a statement. He was a passenger in the car.

Adenhart's death came just hours after he made his fourth major league start, throwing six scoreless innings in Wednesday night's loss to Oakland.

``His father flew out here from Baltimore to watch him start last night, so his father is here, obviously going through a great deal of grief,'' Angels spokesman Tim Mead said.

The Angels confirmed Adenhart's death in a statement and said no other members of their organization were involved in the accident. A 24-year-old man who was in the same car remained hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

A preliminary test indicated the driver of the minivan had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said at a news conference.

``The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends' loved ones and fans,'' general manager Tony Reagins said.

The team said Adenhart was survived by his parents, Jim and Janet.

``He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people,'' the family said in a statement issued through the team.

``The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever.''

The Major League Baseball Players Association said its members were shaken and saddened about the accident.

``Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels,'' the association said in a statement. Adenhart, of Silver Spring, Md., was the Angels' No. 3 starter.

Adenhart and three other people were in a silver Mitsubishi sedan that was broadsided at an intersection shortly before 12:30 a.m. by a minivan that apparently ran a red light, the police statement said. The impact spun around both vehicles, and one then struck another car but that driver was not hurt, police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said.

The Mitsubishi struck a light pole. Adenhart was taken to a hospital and died while a 20-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Their names were not immediately released.

Police Lt. Craig Brower said the minivan driver fled the crash scene on foot and was captured a short time later.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside, fled but was arrested a half-hour later for investigation of felony hit-and-run driving. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries from the crash and could face charges including vehicular manslaughter or possibly murder, Hamilton said.

There was no immediate word on his condition.

Gallo had a previous drunken driving conviction and was driving with a suspended license, police said. A 21-year-old passenger in the van was treated for minor injuries at a hospital.

Fans, some wearing Angels shirts or carrying flowers, gathered at the intersection Thursday.

Adenhart, a right-hander, earned a spot in the starting rotation on an injury-plagued Angels staff by impressing manager Mike Scioscia late in spring training.

The pitcher made his major league debut May 1 of last year, also against Oakland. He made two other starts, getting his only decision in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on May 12. He was 37-28 in the minor leagues from 2005-08, including 9-13 last year at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Aaron Wells was Adenhart's athletic trainer in 2005 when he played for Utah's Orem Owlz, a rookie league affiliate with the Angels.

``It was very obvious that he was going to be a successful professional pitcher,'' said Wells, now the team's general manager. ``Very humble, extremely good in the club house. He was just such an unassuming guy, just went out and did his business.''

The Minnesota Twins held moment of silence before their game against the Seattle Mariners. Also, there was to be a moment of silence before the start of the Texas Rangers' home game against the Cleveland Indians.

[Medpatient]

Originally Posted by juangoodman

Life is so short. Such a tragedy. Tonight's game is cancelled. Updated details: http://www.knx1070.com/Angels--Pitch...s-Game/4172875



Adenhart, 22, died in surgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Fullerton police said in a statement. He was a passenger in the car.

Adenhart's death came just hours after he made his fourth major league start, throwing six scoreless innings in Wednesday night's loss to Oakland.

``His father flew out here from Baltimore to watch him start last night, so his father is here, obviously going through a great deal of grief,'' Angels spokesman Tim Mead said.

The Angels confirmed Adenhart's death in a statement and said no other members of their organization were involved in the accident. A 24-year-old man who was in the same car remained hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

A preliminary test indicated the driver of the minivan had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said at a news conference.

``The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends' loved ones and fans,'' general manager Tony Reagins said.

The team said Adenhart was survived by his parents, Jim and Janet.

``He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people,'' the family said in a statement issued through the team.

``The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever.''

The Major League Baseball Players Association said its members were shaken and saddened about the accident.

``Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels,'' the association said in a statement. Adenhart, of Silver Spring, Md., was the Angels' No. 3 starter.

Adenhart and three other people were in a silver Mitsubishi sedan that was broadsided at an intersection shortly before 12:30 a.m. by a minivan that apparently ran a red light, the police statement said. The impact spun around both vehicles, and one then struck another car but that driver was not hurt, police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said.

The Mitsubishi struck a light pole. Adenhart was taken to a hospital and died while a 20-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Their names were not immediately released.

Police Lt. Craig Brower said the minivan driver fled the crash scene on foot and was captured a short time later.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside, fled but was arrested a half-hour later for investigation of felony hit-and-run driving. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries from the crash and could face charges including vehicular manslaughter or possibly murder, Hamilton said.

There was no immediate word on his condition.

Gallo had a previous drunken driving conviction and was driving with a suspended license, police said. A 21-year-old passenger in the van was treated for minor injuries at a hospital.

Fans, some wearing Angels shirts or carrying flowers, gathered at the intersection Thursday.

Adenhart, a right-hander, earned a spot in the starting rotation on an injury-plagued Angels staff by impressing manager Mike Scioscia late in spring training.

The pitcher made his major league debut May 1 of last year, also against Oakland. He made two other starts, getting his only decision in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on May 12. He was 37-28 in the minor leagues from 2005-08, including 9-13 last year at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Aaron Wells was Adenhart's athletic trainer in 2005 when he played for Utah's Orem Owlz, a rookie league affiliate with the Angels.

``It was very obvious that he was going to be a successful professional pitcher,'' said Wells, now the team's general manager. ``Very humble, extremely good in the club house. He was just such an unassuming guy, just went out and did his business.''

The Minnesota Twins held moment of silence before their game against the Seattle Mariners. Also, there was to be a moment of silence before the start of the Texas Rangers' home game against the Cleveland Indians.

the driver should have murder charges, 3 counts worth imposed on him. He was drunk, has a prior DUI arrest and was as well driving on a suspended license

[pokealotasmot]

Originally Posted by Medpatient

the driver should have murder charges, 3 counts worth imposed on him. He was drunk, has a prior DUI arrest and was as well driving on a suspended license

This is just horrible. Why is alcohol still legal, and mj isnt? Can somebody remind me please lol.

[Medpatient]

Originally Posted by pokealotasmot

This is just horrible. Why is alcohol still legal, and mj isnt? Can somebody remind me please lol.

that is a question that many many people would like answered as well.

[restodruid]

i watched him pitch that night...

good game

r.i.p. Nick

[maximumyield]

what a tragedy i really hate to see things like that. He was so young and promising. may he rest in peace

[oc_herbavor]

Originally Posted by Medpatient

Hey OC, was that the kid who collapsed after the pick up game at Champan U. I live right up the street from there. that was as well another tragic episode.

Yeah I live right by the circle haha I go to chapman, pm me we should hang sometime.

[In_Hollywood]

Originally Posted by gopers

The driver of the van needs to be executed, no court date, no good byes to his family, just cap the asshole in the head! When is this country going to get tough with drunk drivers?

= = = = = = =>>> I'm sorry If I sound bad here, but that "Latino" who was drunk, driving the van, who ran the red light and ended up KILLING/Murdering 3 people (in their 20's), then running away (2 miles!!) from the accident - should get the Death Penalty! Ass, had a "record" of bad behaviors, too! No Driver's license? UGH! =Judy=
Posted via Mobile Device

[In_Hollywood]

Originally Posted by pokealotasmot

This is just horrible. Why is alcohol still legal, and mj isnt? Can somebody remind me please lol.

- - - - - - >> Is he an "Illegal" as well?? =Judy=
Posted via Mobile Device

[In_Hollywood]

Gallo . . . . spanish for "chicken"! Need I say more? =Judy=
Posted via Mobile Device

[oc_herbavor]

Originally Posted by In_Hollywood

= = = = = = =>>> I'm sorry If I sound bad here, but that "Latino" who was drunk, driving the van, who ran the red light and ended up KILLING/Murdering 3 people (in their 20's), then running away (2 miles!!) from the accident - should get the Death Penalty! Ass, had a "record" of bad behaviors, too! No Driver's license? UGH! =Judy=
Posted via Mobile Device

i agree he's had so many priors then taking the life of these 3 wonderful young people. thats just awful. death penalty forsure!

[SMG392]

if your drunk just call a cab...now the driver and his family are in a terrible situation, and an even worse situation for the adenhart family and angels fans...just take a sec and think it can go a long way

[luvfriday]

I drive through the intersection once a week, I cant drive through it on a green light. I never remember I am coming up on it but when I do I know where they were and how the cars came to rest after the impact.

Why just charge drunk drivers, lets also charge any adult passengers who were able to walk to the car and get in. Only then will you think twice about letting the driver take off. If you cant stop someone from drinking and driving then dont get in the car. A bartender has a duty to cut people off, the people riding in the car should have some responsibility to intervene. 4 people who ride together and get drunk together may only put 1 drunk driver on the road instead of 4, but I dont like those 1 in 4 odds. Charge them all and 3 might take the keys away from one next time.