NEW YORK -- Donald M. Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of 22-year-old Nick Adenhart, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher.

“We were shaken and deeply saddened when we learned about the terrible accident that claimed the lives of Nick Adenhart and others. Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, his teammates, the Angels organization and his many friends and fans; It is very painful to lose a son, a teammate and a friend under these circumstances, and we also extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the other victims of the crash.”