Seattle Mariners prospect dies 42 days after injury
CARACAS, Venezuela - Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez died Saturday night from head injuries he suffered in a boating accident last month, his Venezuelan team announced.
The Caracas Lions issued a statement saying the 20-year-old player died after being in a coma 42 days. Sanchez was swimming on Feb. 14 when he was struck in the head by the propeller of a motorboat at a beach in the Venezuelan coastal town of Campano.
The right-handed pitcher was 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA last season at Double-A Jackson. He signed with the Mariners in 2011.
"The Seattle Mariners are saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Sanchez," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Victor was a tremendous young man and a wonderful teammate. He was a very talented player who was close to fulfilling his promise as a Major Leaguer. He will be missed by his teammates, and the coaches and staff at the Mariners.
"The entire Mariners organization sends our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Former teammates and others in the Mariners organization took to social media to mourn Sanchez:
It is with sadness we share that minor leaguer Victor Sanchez has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/DWidXIrCDG
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 29, 2015My prayers go out to the family of victor Sanchez I will always remember you! R.I.P. Big man
— D.J. Peterson (@godj33) March 29, 2015
Really sad to hear the news. RIP Victor Sanchez. Great man, great teammate, and a great friend. You will be missed mi hermano.
— Tyler Pike † (@tpike10) March 29, 2015We lost a teammate but lost an even better person with the passing of Victor Sanchez tonight. Your memory will live on forever in my heart
— Patrick Kivlehan (@PatrickKivlehan) March 29, 2015Prayers for Victor Sanchez family and friends. Was a real good player and a great friend. Going to be missed #RIP
— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) March 29, 2015Mis mas sentidas condolencias para la familia Sánchez
Que mi Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria y a… https://t.co/DoLeupSv0H
— Felix Hernandez (@RealKingFelix) March 29, 2015My heart literally breaks for the Victor Sanchez's family. He was apart of our @Mariners family and please keep his family in your prayers!
— Logan Bawcom (@LoganBawcom) March 29, 2015