UPDATED 10/27/2014 6:48pm EST
Various media reports have indicated that Oscar Taveras and girlfriend Edilia Arvelo (who also went by Yamali Arvelo and Jamali Arvelo) have been killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic, in front of the Coconut Palms Hotel Cabarete. Taveras’ agent, Brian Mejia, has confirmed Taveras’ death.
Taveras was reportedly driving from Sosua to his home in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, when he was involved in the wreck. A Dominican newspaper, Listian Diario, has identified Oscar Taveras’ girlfriend as Edilia Arvelo, only 18 years old. There are unconfirmed reports circulating that Arvelo recently gave birth to the couple’s first child, but there have been no qualified media reports supporting this claim.
Taveras was ranked as the number 3 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America, saw his first look at extended big league playing time this season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He split time in right field, and was expected to be given full time assignment in the upcoming 2015 season. Tantalizing talent, and limitless potential swirled around the five tool player that the Cardinals repeatedly rebuffed when brought up in trade discussions.
Oscar Taveras was 22 years old.
