A former minor league catcher with the Atlanta Braves is in custody for his involvement in a fatal Florida hit-and-run crash, authorities said.
Jonathan Matos Morales, 18, of Cocoa, Florida, was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and leaving a crash scene involving death. He’s being held at the Manatee County Jail.
Morales was driving a Ford Mustang shortly before 6:30 a.m., Monday, April 20 when he shifted lanes and collided with a Chevy Trailblazer. The impact caused the Trailblazer to veer into the direct path of a semi-truck, according to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol.
The semi-truck overturned onto its right side and came to a stop partially in the grass median, blocking all three southbound lanes of traffic. Morales stopped momentarily and then continued driving, FHP officials said.
The Ford Mustang Morales was driving in the crash was allegedly located at the Atlanta Braves facility, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
The Atlanta Braves released a statement noting that Morales is no longer a member of the organization.
"We are aware that a player who was formerly in our minor league system is under investigation related to a fatal accident that occurred yesterday in Manatee County. Our organization is cooperating fully with authorities and will not have any further comment at this time. Our condolences go to the loved ones of all who were involved,” according to the statement.
Morales was the FLORIDA TODAY Baseball Player of the Year for the 2024 season.
The driver of the Trailblazer was a 63-year-old Palmetto man who sustained minor injuries.
The 34-year-old semi-truck driver from New Smyrna, Florida died from his injuries, according to FHP.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Minor league Atlanta Braves catcher allegedly in fatal Fla hit-and-run