Danny Duffy and Christian Colón Hug Royals Fans Mourning Yordano Ventura at the K

Royals fans offer their condolences to Danny Duffy and Christian Colon at The K: pic.twitter.com/tVrUt9vuBm
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 22, 2017

The baseball world is in mourning today, after 25-year-old pitcher Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic early this morning. Fans in Kansas City flocked to Kauffman Stadium to pay their respects, and were surprised to be greeted by Royals pitcher Danny Duffy and shortstop Christian Colón, giving out hugs in condolence.

In the emptiness of the offseason, Kauffman Stadium has become something of a vigil site today, with flags lowered at half mast, Ventura gracing the scoreboard, and flowers being laid:

NOW: on the scoreboard at the K #KauffmanStadium #RIPVentura @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/3XYnCMAP5p
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) January 22, 2017

#Royals flag lowered to half-staff at #KauffmanStadium in memory of Yordano Ventura. @KCStar @Royals @YordanoVentura pic.twitter.com/UDKIcx5zQE
— John Sleezer (@jsleezer) January 22, 2017

Somber scene at Kauffman Stadium as fans come to mourn the loss of their Ace. pic.twitter.com/da47HtoyMF
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2017

At Kauffman Stadium, #Royals fans are already here paying tribute to Yordano Ventura. #ForeverRoyal pic.twitter.com/qS0qSpWmWa
— 610 Sports Radio- KC (@610SportsKC) January 22, 2017

A young @Royals fan and her dad drop off flowers outside #Kauffman Stadium in remembrance of Yordano Ventura #RIPAce #ForeverRoyal @MLB pic.twitter.com/tNtUP5MjlF
— Jeff Roberts (@ENGPHOTO) January 22, 2017

Ventura's death marks a point in the disturbing trend of vehicle accident deaths of Latin American ballplayers when they visit their home countries. Big salaries at a young age, fast cars, alcohol, and poor road infrastructure makes for a dangerous combination. Though the cause of Ventura's death has yet to be fully investigated.