Angels rookie Adenhart dies in car crash

Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart was among three people killed in a hit-and-run car crash just hours after he appeared in the team's game Wednesday night against Oakland.

Authorities in Fullerton, Calif., said the accident happened just after midnight. Two people died at the scene, with two more taken to hospital.

Thursday's game between the Angels and Oakland has been postponed.

Adenhart was a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse also carrying three other people when it was struck shortly before 12:30 a.m. by a minivan that ran a red light and also hit another vehicle, police said. The sports car hit another vehicle before striking a light pole.

The driver of the Eclipse was identified as 20-year-old Courtney Frances Stewart.

Stewart and a 27-year-old passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.

University of California, Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said Adenhart died Thursday morning after undergoing surgery. The other passenger in the vehicle is in critical condition.

Police arrested the driver of the minivan after he allegedly attempted to flee the scene.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside, Calif., was arrested.

Gallo had a previous drunken driving conviction and was driving with a suspended licence, police said.

A passenger in the minivan was treated for minor injuries.

'Tremendous loss'

Adenhart, 22, was the starter in Wednesday's game against Oakland. He pitched six innings of scoreless ball, with Los Angeles eventually losing in the late innings to the Athletics.

It was just his fourth major league appearance. He went 1-0 in three games with Los Angeles in 2008, spending most of the season with Triple-A Salt Lake.

"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," general manager Tony Reagins said in a statement issued by the club. "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."

The Angels said no one else from their organization was involved in the accident.

Adenhart was born in Silver Springs, Md., and was selected in the 14th round by Los Angeles in the 2004 draft. He overcame obstacles to reach the majors, undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery.

The club said Adenhart is survived by his parents. The player's family released a statement thanking the Angels for their support.

Father was at final game

"He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people," the statement read. "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 pitcher's father, Jim, was at Wednesday's game, according to Adenhart's agent, Scott Boras.

"He summoned his father the day before and he said, 'You better come here because something special's gonna happen,"' said Boras.

After the game, "he was so elated … he felt like a major leaguer," an emotional Boras added.

The crash came hours after it was announced that an Angels fan was taken off life support after being involved in a fight following the team's season opener on Monday.

Brian Powers, 27, of Buena Park, Calif., was pronounced dead on Wednesday. No arrests have been made, with police in Anaheim still trying to find witnesses to the altercation.

While the franchise won the World Series in 2002, fans of the Angels have also frequently talked of a "curse" due to the unusual number of fatalities and life-threatening injuries to befall active players beginning with the 1965 death of pitcher Dick Wantz from a brain tumour.

Pitcher Donnie Moore fatally shot himself after an argument with his wife midway through the 1989 season, while rising outfielder Lyman Bostock was gunned down late in the season in 1978.

In separate automobile accidents, three other roster players were killed earlier in the 1970s.