Kansas City Royals phenom pitcher Yordano Ventura died in a car accident over the weekend in the Dominican Republic. The tragic news has hit the city of St. Joseph hard: Ventura was a staple of the Royals pitching staff, and one of the team’s most promising young stars.
Yordano Ventura Dies in Car Accident
The crash happened in Ventura’s native Dominican Republic. While police reports on the accident are still in their initial stages, it seems that the only vehicle involved in the crash was Ventura’s custom-made white and blue Jeep. Pictures of the wreckage suggest that it was a rollover accident – one of the deadliest types of crashes. Initial reports also indicate that there was heavy fog in the area at the time of the crash. They also state that Ventura was not wearing a seatbelt when the accident happened.
There is no indication that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Excessive Speed Likely a Factor
From these details, it’s likely that excessive speed was a factor in the crash. Rollover accidents are often only possible when a vehicle is traveling at a high speed – 75% of fatal rollovers occur on roads with speed limits of 55 miles per hour or higher. Additionally, if the fog made it difficult to see very far ahead, it would be difficult to avoid any obstacle or make an unexpected turn without a sharp turn. These turns frequently cause rollover accidents. This is especially true when the vehicle has a high center of gravity, like a Jeep.
Dominican Roads Some of the Most Dangerous
Another factor that may have contributed to the crash are the notoriously dangerous roads in the Dominican Republic. According to the World Health Organization, the Dominican Republic has the highest rate of traffic deaths of any country in either North or South America, with a rate of 29.3 per 100,000 people.
Kansas City Area Mourns the Loss of Promising Pitcher
The loss of Yordano Ventura is terrible news for Royals fans, everywhere. Ventura was a rising star who, at the young age of 25, had already made a name for himself in the big leagues. While his stats were not dominant, yet, the sky was the limit for the flamethrower who could hit 100 miles per hour with his fastball. With only a few more years of experience, Ventura was expected to become one of the American League’s premier starting pitchers.
St. Joseph Car Accident Attorneys at the Smith Law Office
Car accidents are serious and often life-changing events for those involved and their loved ones. They can often result in severe or fatal injuries that lead to steep medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disabilities. Getting compensation for your injuries is a priority, especially if the crash was not your fault.
The St. Joseph personal injury attorneys at the Smith Law Office know this, and fight for your rights and interests both in and out of court. Contact us online or at (816) 875-9373 for the help you need to get the compensation you deserve.