Roy Halladay died in a plane crash on Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, roughly 10 miles west of St. Petersburg. He was 40 years old. The Pasco County Sheriff's department is currently holding a news conference to give details of the accident.
That department stated no mayday call was given before the aircraft went down, and they've already recovered his body. A quick perusal of Halladay's Twitter account shows a number of recent pics he took with an ICON A5 amphibious light-sport plane that he purchased just last month. Halladay reportedly began flight training with this particular craft in May 2016.
The Philadelphia Phillies, one of two teams Roy played for in his 16-year MLB career, released the following statement:
"We are numb over the very tragic news about Roy's untimely death. There are no words to describe the sadness that the entire Phillies family is feeling over the loss of one of the most respected human beings to ever play the game."
The Toronto Blue jays, the other (and first) of Roy's two teams also posted a statement:
MLB also added the following message:
Halladay was a two-time Cy Young winner, eight-time All-Star, and almost certain Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2019. He began his career at the end of the 1998 season with the Blue Jays. In 2000 he struggled so badly that he actually recorded the highest ERA of any player in baseball history with 50 or more innings pitched in a season (10.64) he subsequently started the 2001 season in the minors.
After reinventing himself, Halladay went on to win a Cy Young in 2003, and made six AL All-Star teams between 2002-2009. In December of 2009 he was traded to the Phillies for a trio of prospects. He went on to make two more All-Star teams, in addition to throwing a 2010 perfect game and then (later in that same season) a playoff no-hitter. Halladay, who one could reasonably argue was the best pitcher in the game during his prime, retired following the 2013 season at the age of 36. He ended his career with a 203-105 record, 3.38 ERA, and 2117 strikeouts.
As one has come to expect in these moments, a number of former teammates, opponents and current players sent their condolences on social media:
Condolences were also sent to Halladay from a few athletes from other sports besides baseball:
Our condolences go out to his family.
