The MLB community lost two of its members Friday when free agent infielder Luis Valbuena and former player Jose Castillo died together in a car accident. Valbuena was 33 and Castillo was 37.
They had played in a winter league game in Venezuela Thursday night along with winter league teammate Carlos Rivero, according to reports. The car was being driven by Rivero's driver when the car collided with a rock. Rivero and his driver survived the crash.
MORE: Notable sports deaths of 2018
"The Astros family lost two young men yesterday, entirely too soon," the Astros said in a statement released by the team. "During his two seasons in Houston, Luis was an extremely popular player with his teammates and the Astros staff. He was a productive player on the field and played a key role in the Astros run to the postseason in 2015. Off the field, he was a warm and friendly presence to all who interacted with him. Jose's time with the Astros was brief, but he also had a positive impact on those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends."
Valbuena and Castillo's deaths drew reactions from people that knew them best — fellow MLB players and the people who covered them.
Here's how they were remembered by those that were close to them.
MLB players and teams
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Pirates infielder José Castillo.
— Pirates (@Pirates) December 7, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yKw7soe8Ic
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Angel Luis Valbuena and former MLB infielder José Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/GxegOtJXuB
— Angels (@Angels) December 7, 2018
We are so very deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Astros players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. https://t.co/DsFivc3KgH pic.twitter.com/DQazSdUlZr
— Houston Astros (@astros) December 7, 2018
Reaction from @ajhinch & @jluhnow regarding deaths of Valbuena & Castillo #khou11 #htownrush pic.twitter.com/mUIg9HuI9e
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) December 7, 2018
Woke up to news that my scheduled start tonight is cancelled because 2 of the opposing players were in a fatal accident. One of them a former teammate. Very sobering news. My thoughts are with the families and teammates of José Castillo and Luis Valbuena. pic.twitter.com/UEuaSwquxg
— Rick Teasley 銳力 (@ItAintEasy37) December 7, 2018
Absolutely devastated by the news of Luis’ passing. He was such a huge piece of our success story with the @astros...but more than that, he was a husband, father, teammate and friend. Rest easy, brother 💔 pic.twitter.com/WiVx0e1h6O
— Collin McHugh (@Collin_McHugh) December 7, 2018
Terrible news to wake up to! My prayers go out to both families 🙏🏽🙏🏽. This is sad day losing a friend and two members of the baseball family https://t.co/1g26hVjUEd
— Edwin Jackson (@EJ36) December 7, 2018
Deepest condolences to the Valbuena family. One of the most contagious smiles to be around that I was fortunate enough to share the field with. May we all learn a lesson to play the game with the passion and spirit that you did. May you Rest In Peace! #BatFlipKing pic.twitter.com/E7tgb1uA3V
— Justin Anderson (@janderson_22) December 7, 2018
Increíble despertarse con este tipo de noticias, una dura para todos los que conociamos a Luis, una excelente persona, humilde. Paz a tu alma hermano, aca extrañaremos tu alegría!
— Ender Inciarte (@enderinciartem) December 7, 2018
Man I’m truly sick about this. When i saw you last calling the angels game you told me how well i was doing and that you were proud of me. Rest in heaven my brother. pic.twitter.com/QM1UMOuiyi
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) December 7, 2018
Sad to wake up to the news of the loss of teammate Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. Praying for their families to find comfort in such a difficult time. You will be missed ValBueeeeeena 😔
— Rene Rivera (@ReneRivera13) December 7, 2018
RIP Luuuuuu... I will miss you brotha. Gone way too soon. Great teammate and great person. Every day he would have a smile that would light up the room. pic.twitter.com/YA9WghcLYB
— Tyler Skaggs (@TylerSkaggs37) December 7, 2018
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) December 7, 2018
Media members
I woke up hoping it wasn’t real. This may be the only time I ever saw Luis Valbuena not wearing his big smile. RIP. https://t.co/6it3NVHUQS
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) December 7, 2018
One of the only things Luis Valbuena tweeted in the last three years was this photo of him paying tribute to Jose Fernandez. How tragic that he is now gone, too. https://t.co/tPsum6G7lh
— Gabrielle (@gfstarr1) December 7, 2018
Hay cosas que solo quedan aceptarlas. ¡Hasta cuando! Descansen en paz. Luis Valbuena y José Castillo. #RodillaEnSuelo
— Ernesto Jerez (@EJerezESPN) December 7, 2018
Every day, every single day he had a smile on his face, happiness in his heart & a genuine interest in making others feel the same. He treated everyone with respect, sincerity,and his wonderful gift of humor. Every day, every single day. #RIP @adan_jome. pic.twitter.com/S3vCTyuUXQ
— Tim Mead (@TMead2002) December 7, 2018
Luis Valbuena loved two things: his teammates and baseball.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 7, 2018
“If you’re a good person, a good kid, you want everything for them.”
On his tragic death: https://t.co/R4NDlPl6FO
