VENEZUELA — Jesús Montero, the former catcher known for his time with the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees, has passed away at the age of 35.

Local media outlet Líder en Deportes reported that the Venezuelan athlete lost his life in a traffic accident two weeks ago. The Seattle Times confirmed that a pickup truck was involved in the incident while Montero was on his motorcycle.

The Associated Press noted that Montero had been in a critical condition since October 4th following the accident.

“The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero. We send our sincerest condolences to his family & loved ones,” expressed the Yankees via social media.

The Seattle Mariners also shared a heartfelt statement on Sunday, echoing similar sentiments.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Mariner Jesús Montero. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones,” they wrote on social media. 

Montero debuted in the major leagues in 2011 when he was 21. He played 18 games with the Yankees before being traded to the Seattle Mariners as part of a four-player trade, which involved pitcher Michael Pineda. He played 208 games with the Mariners, ending in 2015.

In his brief major league career, he batted .253, hit 28 home runs and had 104 RBI.

“Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero … leaving behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game,” the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League said in a statement posted Sunday on X. “Today, baseball mourns his passing. But it also remembers him with gratitude: for every home run that thrilled the fans, for every day in which he proudly defended his country’s colors, and for every young person who saw in him an example that dreams can be achieved.”

Montero also played in the Venezuelan Winter League until the 2020-21 campaign, according to CBS Sports.