Baltimore Orioles prospect dies aged 19 in tragic accident

The baseball world is in mourning following the death of Luis Guevara, a 19-year-old prospect for the Baltimore Orioles, who died in a jet ski accident in Sarasota, Florida, the team confirmed.

“Luis was a beloved member of our organization, and we are devastated following his tragic passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and teammates and we ask for their continued privacy during this difficult time,” said Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias in a statement.

The Major League Baseball Players Association also released a message of condolence, stating: “Our thoughts are with Luis’ family, friends, and teammates.”

The accident took place around 8 p.m. off Lido Key in Sarasota, according to a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is investigating the incident. Each jet ski had two people aboard, and all four were thrown into the water. The spokesperson said that “good Samaritans” helped bring the injured passengers to shore to receive medical attention.

Who was Luis Guevara?

Originally from Tinaco, Venezuela, Guevara signed with the Orioles as an international free agent in January 2023. This year, he appeared in 30 games, most of them with Single-A Delmarva. He had previously played in the Dominican Summer League during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

A shortstop by position, Guevara was known for his speed and also stood out for his defensive skills, which had caught the attention of Baltimore’s front office. He had a smooth, accurate swing from both sides of the plate, showing the kind of promise that made him a rising name in the Orioles’ system.

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