Former major leaguers Luis Valbuena, Jose Castillo die in car crash in Venezuela

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Luis Valbuena, who played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, and former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jose Castillo died in an automobile accident in Venezuela on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

Former Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Carlos Rivero was driving the car and survived the accident.

Valbuena was 33 years old, while Castillo was 37. The two were playing winter ball for Cardenales de Lara in Venezuela. 

“We are saddened by the tragic news that Luis Valbuena and former major leaguer Jose Castillo have died in a car accident,” Major League Baseball said in a tweet.

Valbuena played 11 seasons in the major leagues, starting his career with the Seattle Mariners in 2008, and also played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros before the previous two seasons with the Angels. He was a free agent.

Castillo played in the majors from 2004-08 for the Pirates, Astros and San Francisco Giants. 

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

Estamos viviendo una horrible tragedia en Cardenales de Lara. Perdimos a nuestros jugadores Luis Valbuena y José Castillo en un accidente de tránsito. pic.twitter.com/HPf3LRuxp1

— Cardenales de Lara (@CardenalesDice) December 7, 2018

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former major leaguers Luis Valbuena, Jose Castillo die in car crash in Venezuela

Notable Sports Deaths in 2018 (provided by photo services)