Former Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher Braulio Lara died on Saturday morning, 20 April 2019, due to a car accident in the Dominican Republic. He was 30 years old. Early on Saturday morning his family was informed that a three-car accident had occurred in the early morning hours in his hometown in southwestern Bani. Lara and Brayan Alberto de León Merán were killed, and four people were injured in the accident. Lara was driving a Camaro when he hit a semi-trailer.
Lara pitched for the Hot Rods in 2011, with 21 starts and appearing in 25 games. He spent 11 years in the professional ranks, pitching in the Rays, Nationals, and Giants systems. He also pitched in Korea, Mexico, and the Dominican Winter Leagues. He reached the AAA level in four consecutive seasons from 2013 through 2016, but never was able to make that final step to reach the majors.
Over the last few years at least 10 baseball players have died in car accidents. Jairo Capellán, Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte are just three of those who died.
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23 April 2019