Some tragic news to report today.
Detroit Tigers minor league catching prospect Chace Numata has died from injuries sustained during a skateboarding accident.
He signed a minor league deal with the Tigers in November and spent time between Double-A and Triple-A this season, and had currently been a catcher for the Erie SeaWolves.
Via The Detroit Free Press:
The circumstances of Numata’s accident suggest he was riding his skateboard home in the downtown Erie area shortly after 2 a.m. the morning of Aug. 30, police said.
Surveillance video from an insurance business nearby showed Numata riding alone down East 4th Street when his skateboard suddenly stopped, as if it hit a rock, and he fell forward, Erie police Sgt. David Stucke said on Monday.
“It appears he just fell on the skateboard and landed headfirst on the ground,” Stucke said. “It appears he was unconscious as soon as he fell. He was knocked out.”
A motorist saw Numata in the middle of the road, pulled over and called 911 about 2:15 a.m. Police found him on the ground, bleeding from the head, Stucke said.
“Chace was beloved by many from our Major League club through all levels of our player development system,” the Tigers said in a statement Monday. “He had an engaging personality that quickly established him as a leader on and off the field, and his presence will be forever remembered in our organization and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
