MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A minor league catcher “formerly” in the Atlanta Braves organization, according to the team’s statment, was arrested for his involvement in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a trucker in Florida this week.
According to a report from Fox 5 in Atlanta, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales of Cocoa after the Atlanta Braves organization found his 2022 Ford Mustang at their compound.
Jonathan Matos Morales faces charges of vehicular homicide after a fatal crash on I-75 in Manatee County.
A 34-year-old truck driver and father of four died at the scene after his semi-tractor-trailer overturned during the Monday morning wreck.
Morales faces charges of vehicular homicide after a fatal crash on I-75 in Manatee County.
According to Fox 5’s reporting, troopers said a dark-colored Mustang was weaving in and out of traffic when it hit a Chevy Trailblazer.
The impact pushed the SUV into the path of a semi-tractor-trailer driven by 34-year-old Stavan Albert Facey.
The truck reportedly overturned across all three southbound lanes, and Facey died at the scene.
Investigators said Matos Morales stopped briefly before he ran from the scene. The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries.
The Braves issued a statement regarding Morales’ arrest.
“We are aware that a player who was formerly in our minor league system is under investigation related to a fatal accident that occurred yesterday in Manatee County, a release from the Atlanta Braves stated. “Our organization is cooperating fully with authorities and will not have any further comment at this time. Our condolences go to the loved ones of all who were involved.”
The crash is still under investigation.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
