Major League Baseball felt a quiet heartbreak on Saturday when news spread from North Alabama. Matt Kimbrel, the older brother of veteran big-league closer Craig Kimbrel, lost his life in a highway crash involving a dump truck in Huntsville.
The Kansas City Royals officially placed Craig Kimbrel on the bereavement list on Saturday afternoon. That move allowed the veteran pitcher to step away from the team and head back home to be with his family during an unimaginably hard time.
The fatal wreck took place early Saturday morning along U.S. Highway 431. Local police reported that Matt Kimbrel was traveling north on his motorcycle when a dump truck began pulling off the highway onto Cove Commons Drive.
Police investigators determined that speed played a major role in the collision. Kimbrel realized the truck was turning, but he could not bring the motorcycle to a halt in time. He lost control, skidded off the pavement, and struck the truck.
Emergency crews on the scene confirmed that Kimbrel died from the severe injuries sustained in the crash. Huntsville police later noted that investigators do not expect any criminal charges to come out of the accident.
The tragedy hits close to home for fans who followed the Kimbrel family over the years. Before Craig became an All-Star closer, both brothers shared a professional baseball dream. The Atlanta Braves selected Matt in the 2012 MLB Draft, and he spent three years pitching in the minor leagues.
For now, the family has kept details about funeral arrangements private as they process the news. The city of Huntsville and the wider baseball community continue to send support to the Kimbrel family following the loss.
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