Former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay was killed on Tuesday afternoon when his plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. He was 40 years old.
Initial reports were unclear if Halladay was on the small aircraft that was registered under his name, though they did state that one person had died.
At approximately 4:15 p.m. ET, the Pasco Sheriff’s office in Florida confirmed that it was Halladay who was on the plane. The specifics of the crash are still under investigation.
The 16-year MLB veteran retired in 2013 where he was able to focus on his love of flying. His personal Twitter page contains countless photos and videos of him flying in his ICON A5 light-sport aircraft:
I have dreamed about owning a A5 since I retired! Real life is better then my dreams!! Thx Kirk & everyone @ICONAircraft pic.twitter.com/wkk6TtjAY4
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 13, 2017
I keep telling my dad flying the Icon A5 low over the water is like flying a fighter jet! His response….. I am flying a fighter jet!! pic.twitter.com/30eVjz9eS6
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 31, 2017
Halladay spent the first 12 years of his MLB career with the Blue Jays where he garnered six All-Star Game appearances and a Cy Young Award in 2003 when he went 22-7.
After the 2009 season, he was traded to the Phillies where he immediately became a fan favorite, winning 21 games and securing a second-career Cy Young Award in 2010. His finest moment with the Phillies came in his first-ever postseason appearance in the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds when he pitched just the second playoff no-hitter in MLB history.
The Phillies released a statement shortly after his death was confirmed by the Pasco Sheriff’s office:
Phillies statement on the sudden & tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/gGhv7JUKv0
— Phillies (@Phillies) November 7, 2017
Halladay compiled a 203-105 career record with a 3.38 ERA.
He is survived by his wife Brandy and two sons Braden and Ryan.
