Angels rookie Adenhart killed in hit-and-run crash

Published 1:36 pm Thursday, April 9, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart died Thursday in a hit-and-run car crash after a game, a hospital official said.

Adenhart, 22, died after undergoing surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said.

Adenhart was one of three people killed in the crash early Thursday. Adenhart was the starting pitcher in the Angels’ loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

The driver of a minivan ran a red light in Fullerton and hit two cars, including one carrying Adenhart.

Police Lt. Craig Brower said the minivan driver fled the crash scene and was captured a short time later. The driver was arrested and booked for investigation of felony hit-and-run.

A fourth passenger was at the same hospital in critical condition.

Adenhart, the Angels’ No. 3 starter, made his season debut Wednesday night. The right-hander earned a spot in the starting rotation on an injury-plagued Angels staff by impressing manager Mike Scioscia late in spring training.

He was born in Silver Springs, Md.

To view a preseason interview with Adenhart, click here.