Royals Pitcher Yordano Ventura Killed In Car Crash

Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura was killed in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic early Sunday morning, he was just 25 years old.

The young pitcher had been with the Royals organization since 2013, and was a close friend of former Cardinals outfielder Oscar Tavares who was also killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic back in 2014.

The Royals have released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of their young star. Per ESPN:

"Our prayers right now are with Yordano's family as we mourn this young man's passing," said Royals general manager Dayton Moore via statement. "He was so young and so talented, full of youthful exuberance and always brought a smile to everyone he interacted with. We will get through this as an organization, but right now is a time to mourn and celebrate the life of Yordano."

Ventura's tragic death comes on the same day that former top prospect Andy Marte was killed in a separate car crash in the Dominican Republic. 

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura," read a statement from MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. "It's never easy to lost a member of our fraternity, and there are no words to describe the feeling of losing two young men in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, teammates and fans throughout the United States and Latin America."