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According to a report, Luis Valbuena has passed away due to a car accident in Venezuela.
Former LA Angels infielder Luis Valbuena was killed in a car accident with former Pirates 2B Jose Castillo.
— Marcos Grunfeld M. (@bvenezolano) December 7, 2018
The accident was, apparently, due to a rock that had rolled onto the road. Valbuena was not driving the car at the time at the accident.
Per this report, Luis Valbuena and José Castillo’s car collided with a rock that rolled onto the road. The car was being driven by the driver for former D-Backs player and winter ball teammate Carlos Rivero. https://t.co/l9oKtbAybP
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 7, 2018
Our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as that of former Pirates’ second baseman Jose Castillo.
Valbuena did not fare well with the Angels from a productivity standpoint, but it never once prevented him from playing the game he loved with outsized joy and fervor.
Perhaps this is none greater displayed than September 13, 2017, when Luis Valbuena homered off Mike Fiers and bat flipped; Fiers took it personally, throwing behind Valbuena. Valbuena retaliated only as he knew how, ripping a double into right field and bat flipping before beginning his journey to second base.
Rest in peace, Luis. Rest in peace.