Matt Kimbrel, the younger brother of former New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel, has died following a motorcycle crash in Alabama.
The 36-year-old was pronounced dead at a hospital after colliding at high speed with a dump truck leaving Highway 432 in Huntsville at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday, WCTV reported.
According to officials, Kimbrel was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the truck.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the fatal collision. Matt Kimbrel had been drafted by the Atlanta Braves and spent time playing in the minor leagues.
Reports indicate that criminal charges are not expected in connection with the crash.
His death came one month after his brother Craig, 38, signed with the Kansas City Royals, the 12th Major League Baseball team of his professional career.
Craig Kimbrel joined the Mets on a minor league contract in January but was designated for assignment in May. The veteran reliever appeared in 14 games for New York.
The Braves selected Craig Kimbrel in the 33rd round of the 2007 draft, and he reached the major leagues with Atlanta in 2010. The following year, he earned a roster spot and was named Rookie of the Year after setting the franchise’s rookie record for saves in a season. He remained with the Braves through 2015, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres.
Matt Kimbrel is survived by his fiancée, Genevieve, whom he proposed to in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“My fiancé passed away, and right now I truly don’t have the words,” Genevieve wrote online Saturday, just hours after the deadly crash.
“I know there are people who love us and will have questions, but I’m asking for a little time and space before I’m ready to talk about what happened or say anything more.
“Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to process this unimaginable loss. I’ll share more when I’m ready.”
