Virginia College Baseball Player Dies at 19 After Crashing His Car Near School Stadium
· Yahoo Sports
Credit: Radford Athletics
NEED TO KNOW
- A Virginia college student has died following a single-vehicle crash
- In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Radford University’s baseball team identified the deceased as Joey Raccuia
- The athlete was a middle infielder and right-handed pitcher at the time of his death
A Virginia college freshman has died after being involved in a fatal car accident this week.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, Radford University’s baseball team confirmed via social media that player Joey Raccuia was killed. He was 19.
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“We are heartbroken to share news of the passing of Joey Raccuia. Joey's impact on our team, this community and all the lives he touched went far beyond the playing field, and we miss him deeply,” an Instagram post read.
A spokesperson for the school also confirmed his death to PEOPLE.
PEOPLE could not immediately reach the Radford Police Department for comment.
Joey RaccuiaCredit: Radford Athletics
The middle infielder and right-handed pitcher was the son of former Radford University head baseball coach Joe Raccuia, The Roanoke Times reported.
According to the news outlet, the single-vehicle fatal incident took place on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at approximately 11:20 a.m. on East Main Street, not far from Radford’s baseball stadium.
Though first responders provided medical support, Raccuia was pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet added.
Prior to attending Radford University, Raccuia was a student at PDG Academy during high school, per his athletic profile on the university’s website.
He appeared in two of Radford’s first seven games, making one start, Penn Live Patriot-News reported.
Joey RaccuiaCredit: Radford Athletics
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The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No additional details were released. However, anyone with information regarding the fatal collision is asked to call Capt. J.L. Slaughter at 540-267-3711, per The Roanoke Times.
The Radford University baseball team’s next game is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 against the Bryant University Bulldogs.
Read the original article on People