Jesus Montero, a former Yankees prospect, tragically passed away on Sunday following a motorcycle accident in Venezuela on October 4. He had been in a coma prior to his death, as reported by officials.
Montero, aged 35, crashed his motorcycle into a pickup truck in Valencia, which is around 93 miles from Caracas.
The impact caused severe injuries, including a punctured lung, six broken ribs, and fractures in his femur, tibia, and fibula, as well as injuries to his hip and knee. Local media outlet El Nacional shared this information.
He was taken to Doctor Enrique Tejera Hospital, where he unfortunately went into cardiac arrest and had to be revived.
Due to significant kidney damage, Montero was placed in a coma and required dialysis.
Until Sunday, he remained in “critical” condition before officials announced his passing.
The Yankees expressed their sorrow over Montero’s death, with general manager Brian Cashman recalling him fondly as “the best player I ever traded.”
“The Yankees are deeply saddened by the passing of Jesus Montero. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones,” the team stated on social media.
The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League also recognized his legacy, saying, “Venezuelan baseball bids a sad farewell to Jesús Montero, who embodies hard work and passion for the game.”
“Today, we mourn, but we also celebrate the joy he brought: every home run that excited fans, every time he represented his country, and every young person who saw in him a role model for pursuing dreams.”
Montero signed as an international free agent in 2006 for $1.6 million, drawing attention from Cashman, who compared him to MLB star Miguel Cabrera.
He debuted in 2011 as the top Yankees prospect, making an impression in 18 major league games.
Despite his potential, Cashman ultimately traded him to Seattle, along with Michael Pineda.
Montero’s last game in Major League Baseball took place at the end of 2015, wrapping up a four-year stint with the Mariners. He continued playing in Mexico and Venezuela, with his last appearance in the Venezuelan Winter League during the 2020-21 season.
