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The baseball community continues to mourn the loss of former major leaguers Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo, who were both killed in a car crash. The latest details reveal that it was no accident, as the two ex-players were ambushed.
Via ESPN.
Former major league players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo were killed in a car crash caused by highway bandits who then robbed them, officials said Friday.
The 33-year-old Valbuena and 37-year-old Castillo died late Thursday when their SUV crashed as it tried to veer around an object on the road, Yaracuy state governor Julio Leon Heredia said on his Twitter account.
Officials said some bandits place or throw objects on highways to force vehicles to stop or crash so they can rob the occupants. Heredia said four people have been detained after being found with property of the athletes.
Carlos Rivero was also in the car and survived the crash. All three were teammates on the Cardenales de Lara team in the Venezuelan winter league.
Valbuena played 11 seasons in the big leagues, including three years with the Cubs, 2012-14. He played in 96 games with the Angels in 2018, before he was let go in August.
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Castillo played in nearly 600 MLB games with the Pirates, Astros and Giants during his five-year career in the big leagues.
Compañeros de equipo, hermanos e ídolos.
Luis Adán y José, por última vez en esta casa.
¡Simplemente gracias, desde lo más profundo de nuestros corazones! pic.twitter.com/ZE1pgdiorm
— Cardenales de Lara (@CardenalesDice) December 7, 2018
Absolutely heartbreaking.
Heartbroken to hear about Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. My condolences to their families as they deal with this tragedy. Valbuena was an amazing teammate and friend and will be sincerely missed. RIP pic.twitter.com/9rZ1HbmUby
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) December 7, 2018
😢😢 Wow que tan triste noticia mano.. Descansa en Paz Hermanito!!! 💔 pic.twitter.com/8rmH07EV1h
— Javier Báez (@javy23baez) December 7, 2018
We are saddened by the passing of former Cub Luis Valbuena.
The #Cubs organization sends its condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2Eh4R8EUMZ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 7, 2018
We’re thinking about Luis Valbuena's family today. Our thoughts go to them. RIP to a teammate and a friend…
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) December 7, 2018
We are so very deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Astros players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. https://t.co/DsFivc3KgH pic.twitter.com/DQazSdUlZr
— Houston Astros (@astros) December 7, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Angel Luis Valbuena and former MLB infielder José Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/GxegOtJXuB
— Angels (@Angels) December 7, 2018
The Indians are saddened to hear of the passing of former Tribe infielder Luis Valbuena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/YYJdiqNXo2
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) December 7, 2018
