Former Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay killed in plane crash
HOLIDAY, Florida -- Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay was killed when his small aircraft crashed into shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico. He was 40.
The crash happened shortly after noon on Tuesday.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office says Halladay's body was recovered earlier today after the single-engine Icon A5 crashed near Holiday, Florida.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of this amazing and generous individual," Sheriff Chris Nocco said during a press conference this afternoon. "Our hearts go out to Roy and his family."
"The worst case scenario happened and it breaks our hearts," Nocco said.
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Authorities said the plane wreckage would be removed from the water some time this evening.
Nocco requested the media give the Halladay family their privacy during this difficult time.
Halladay had just appeared at the sheriff's Fishing for Families tournament on Friday, and was remembered as a philanthropist and "incredible friend."
The celebrated athlete tweeted frequently about his love for flying.
In October 2017, ICON Aircraft published a Youtube video featuring Halladay and his wife, Brandy.
ICON Aircraft issued the following statement to ABC13 following Halladay's death.
"We were devastated to learn that former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay died today in an accident involving an ICON A5 in the Gulf of Mexico. We have gotten to know Roy and his family in recent months, and he was a great advocate and friend of ours. The entire ICON community would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Roy's family and friends. ICON will do everything it can to support the accident investigation going forward and we will comment further when more information is available."
Harry Leroy Halladay III, affectionately known as "Doc," was one of just six pitchers to win the Cy Young Award in both leagues.
Halladay pitched a perfect game on May 29, 2010, beating the Florida Marlins 1-0. In his first-ever postseason start later that season, Halladay threw the second no-hitter in MLB postseason history against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the NLDS.
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