Two-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay was killed Tuesday when his plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office in Florida. He was 40.
The plane was registered to Halladay's father. Roy Halladay was the only person on board.
The two-seat plane crashed just north of the Tampa Bay area, sheriff Chris Nocco said during a news conference. It was found upside down in shallow water.
The sheriff's office received a 911 call at 12:06 p.m. ET to report the plane had crashed.
Federal investigators are slated to arrive at the scene on Tuesday evening.
"The FAA will release the aircraft registration after local authorities release that information. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate. The National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident," FAA spokesperson Kathleen Bergen said.
Halladay went 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA during a 16-year career. He pitched for The Toronto Blue Jays from 1998-2009 and spent his last four seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring.
Halladay threw a perfect game in 2010 against the Marlins. Less than five months later, he pitched the second no-hitter in postseason history when he defeated the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
"We are numb over the very tragic news about Roy Halladay's untimely death," the Phillies said in a statement. "There are no words to describe the sadness that the entire Phillies family is feeling over the loss of one of the most respected human beings to ever play the game.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pass along our condolences to Brandy, Ryan and Braden."
Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel expressed his feelings on Twitter.
"I'm stunned to silence over the news of Roy Halladay. My thoughts and heart are with Brandy and the boys. Rest In Peace my friend," Manuel tweeted.
Halladay, an eight-time All-Star, won the American League Cy Young in 2003 when he went 22-7 with a 3.25 ERA for the Blue Jays. He won the NL Cy Young in 2010 when he went 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA in his first season with the Phillies.
He was a combined 40-16 in his first two seasons in Philadelphia and was 55-29 with a 3.25 ERA in his four campaigns with the Phillies.
Halladay was 148-76 with a 3.43 ERA during his tenure with the Blue Jays, winning 16 or more games on six occasions with the club.
"The Toronto Blue Jays organization is overcome by grief with the tragic loss of one of the franchise's greatest and most respected players, but even better human being," The club said in a statement. "It is impossible to express what he has meant to this franchise, the city and its fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Major League Baseball commissioner Robert Manfred also issued a statement.
"All of us at Baseball are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay," the statement began. "A well-respected figure throughout the game, Roy was a fierce competitor during his 16-year career, which included eight All-Star selections, two Cy Young Awards, a perfect game and a Postseason no-hitter.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, including his wife, Brandy, and two sons, Ryan and Braden, his friends and countless fans, as well as the Blue Jays and Phillies organizations."
New Jersey native Mike Trout, who grew up as a fan of the Phillies, was among the many players to share their condolences. The Los Angeles Angels star referred to the pitcher by his nickname of "Doc" in a tweet:
"In shock over the terrible news about Roy Halladay...a pitcher I grew up admiring & rooting for. Praying for his family & friends. #RIPDoc"
