A Tribute to All the Athletes Who Died Young

Josh B

Analyst Written on April 10, 2009

Slide 1 of 14

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Nick Adenhart #34 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium on April 8, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 6-4. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Image

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Yesterday, we heard of the death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others who were with him. Adenhart was only 22 and he leaves a world of potential behind him, among other things.

He was a victim of vehicular manslaughter, and these kinds of accidents sadly happen all the time. In my sophomore year of high school, I heard from the principal over the PA system that someone in my grade was hit by a car on his bike. He lived, but he was unconscious for weeks and only his helmet saved him. It made me realize how often these tragic accidents happen.

I can't possibly honor every athlete who died too young, but I can certainly honor some. Here are some of the greatest athletes ever to die too soon in reverse chronological order.

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A Tribute to All the Athletes Who Died Young

Josh B

A Tribute to All the Athletes Who Died Young

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