The Baltimore Orioles have announced the tragic passing of promising young talent Luis Guevara, as just 19 years of age, on Tuesday night.
Guevara passed away after a jet-ski crash on Sunday in Sarasota, Florida, just off the coast of Lido Key, where two water vehicles collided head-on.
Guevara was signed as an international free agent in January 2023 and was in the middle of his first professional baseball season in the United States.
The crash occurred around 8pm local time in Florida, with two people also going to the hospital.
‘Luis was a beloved member of our organization, and we are devastated following his tragic passing,’ Orioles general manager Mike Elias said in a statement. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates, and we ask for their continued privacy during this difficult time.’
Guevara appeared in 30 games in the Orioles farm system this season, with 24 with the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds.
The Orioles have announced the tragic passing of promising young talent Luis Guevara
Guevara passed away after a jet-ski crash in Sarasota, Florida, off the coast of Lido Key
Four also came with the Orioles team in the Florida Complex League, as well as a pair with the Double-A Chesapeake Baysox, just two levels below the major leagues.
The Orioles postponed their Florida Complex League games on Monday and Tuesday following Guevara’s passing.
To play in Double-A games at 19 shows the belief the Orioles had in Guevara, hoping he would be a major contributor in Baltimore in a few years.
After a few promising seasons in Maryland, the Orioles are back under .500, looking to the future quickly with its farm system.
Baltimore is currently 31-41 and in last place in the American League East, 11 games back of the New York Yankees.