Freel dies at 36
Horrible news out of Jacksonville on Saturday…
The Florida Times Union reported that former Reds outfielder Ryan Freel died at the age of 36 by suicide. According to the paper, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office confirmed that Freel was found dead from a self-inflicted shotgun wound around 4 p.m. in his residence on Brookchase Lane in Jacksonville.
I will have more information when it becomes available.
Update: The Reds released this statement:
The Reds family is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ryan Freel. His teammates and our fans loved him for how hard he played the game, and he loved giving back to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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Mark Sheldon
Very sad to hear this . Ryan was one of my favorites as far as a Reds bench player . Always the hardest worker , and dedicated to the team . My heart goes out to his family and friends , and former teammates in this time of holiday spirit .