12:10pm: In addition to Severino’s comments to Rojas, the Nationals organization has issued the following statement:
The Washington Nationals are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Fausto Segura, a 23-year-old pitcher who spent the 2019 season with our short-season affiliate Auburn Doubledays. He was beloved by his teammates, coaches, coordinators and everyone he came in contact with throughout our organization. We extend our deepest sympathies to Fausto’s family, friends and loved ones in their time of grief.
11:40am: Nationals pitching prospect Fausto Segura was tragically killed in a road accident in his native Dominican Republic last night, Hector Gomez of Z101 Sports reports. The right-hander, who signed with the Nationals on July 2, 2017, was just 23 years old.
Nationals director of Latin American scouting Fausto Severino confirmed the report to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, calling it a tragedy for both the Segura family and the Nationals organization. “You are never prepared to see someone so young die,” Severino said.
Segura was riding a Honda scooter when he was struck by a van near his native Barahona, according to Rojas. He spent the 2019 season, his third year of professional ball, with the Nationals’ short-season Class-A affiliate in Auburn and was named to the league’s All-Star team. We at MLBTR extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Segura family and to those in the Nationals organization for their loss.
