An “incredible” college baseball player tragically passed away following an unusual accident at the Cincinnati Open, where he fell from an electric cart.
Joshu Adderst, a senior at Cornerstone University in Michigan, was interning at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Ohio. The accident happened around 11 p.m. on Monday, according to reports.
Authorities noted that Adderst was on a baseball scholarship at the private evangelical Christian university in Grand Rapids. He was taken to a local hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
His longtime pastor recalled him as “an incredible young man.” He shared a personal memory of their first meeting, saying, “When we first came here 14 and a half years ago, I met Josh. He stood up and shook a little hand. He was about seven years old.”
The pastor also mentioned, “He was the first person I baptized here” and expressed excitement about Adderst’s future when he learned he was heading to Cornerstone.
“Dealing with sudden deaths is not new, but it hits differently when it’s personal,” he told another news outlet in an interview.
He reflected on the short time Adderst interned, noting the deep impact he had on those around him in just three weeks, describing him as possessing an empathetic nature.
“It was a heartbreak for everyone in the church family,” the pastor said.
Adderst was set to start his fourth year at college. The university shared an emotional tribute on its social media, expressing, “Our community is deeply saddened by the loss of Joshua Durst, a senior and precious member of the baseball team who tragically passed away this week.”
They asked for prayers for his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, announcing plans to honor him during the first chapel service when the school year begins next week.
His parents are planning to establish a baseball scholarship fund at Cornerstone University to honor their son, according to the pastor.
The Cincinnati Open released a statement expressing their sorrow, saying, “This loss is felt deeply by our entire organization. Our heart, thoughts, and deepest sympathy are with his family, friends, and everyone who knows and loves him.”
Authorities have stated that the incident is still under investigation.
