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Oscar Taveras and 10 Athletes Who Tragically Died Way Too Young

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Oscar Taveras and 10 Athletes Who Died Too Young

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On October 26, in the middle of the 2014 World Series, news broke that top prospect Oscar Taveras had died in a car crash. The tragedy brought the baseball world to a standstill, just as many other athlete deaths have in the past.

Here’s a memoriam for some of those athletes who died far too young.

Len Bias, Boston Celtics (1963-1986)

Len Bias holds Celtic jacket
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Len Bias, Boston Celtics (1963-1986)

Len Bias holds Celtic jacket
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Considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players to never play in an NBA game, Bias was drafted second overall by the Boston Celtics during the 1986 NBA Draft. Two days later, he was discovered in his dorm at the University of Maryland, dead from cardiac arrhythmia caused by a cocaine overdose.

Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals (1983-2009)

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Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals (1983-2009)

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A wide receiver who was a 2005 third-round pick for the Bengals, Henry showed impressive athleticism and explosiveness during his days in the NFL. Although he faced numerous off-field issues, it was a domestic dispute that led to his death after he fell out of the back of a moving truck driven by his fiancée.

Brian Piccolo, Chicago Bears (1943-1970)

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Brian Piccolo, Chicago Bears (1943-1970)

Chicago Bears Training Camp
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A hard-nosed fullback for the Bears in the late ‘60s, Piccolo fell victim to embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer. A movie, Brian’s Song, was eventually made to remember the brave back, who was also excellent friends with Gale Sayers, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Darrent Williams, Denver Broncos (1982-2007)

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Darrent Williams, Denver Broncos (1982-2007)

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A promising young cornerback for the Broncos, Williams was out late after a New Year’s Eve party held by Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin. After an altercation at the night club the party was held out, Williams was gunned down in a drive-by shooting, suffering a fatal wound to the neck.

Malik Sealy, Minnesota Timberwolves (1970-2000)

Malik Sealy #2
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Malik Sealy, Minnesota Timberwolves (1970-2000)

Malik Sealy #2
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A quality player for the Timberwolves, Sealy was headed home from Kevin Garnett’s birthday party in downtown Minneapolis. His SUV, which didn’t have airbags, was hit by a drunk driver heading the wrong way down the highway. The drunk driver was convicted for drunken driving two more times after his release from prison.

Korey Stringer, Minnesota Vikings (1974-2001)

Korey Stringer Vikings
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Korey Stringer, Minnesota Vikings (1974-2001)

Korey Stringer Vikings
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One of the top up-and-coming offensive linemen during his time, Stringer had a bright future with the Vikings. During training camp in 2001, though, he died of heat exhaustion, causing the NFL to reevaluate their rules on offseason workouts.

Nick Adenhart, Los Angeles Angels (1986-2009)

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Nick Adenhart, Los Angeles Angels (1986-2009)

Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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Adenhart, a rising pitcher in the Angels organization, looks to have a promising future. After making his debut for the Angels, which included six scoreless innings, Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver while heading home from the field.

Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins (1983-2007)

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Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins (1983-2007)

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One of the best safeties in a new era of hard-hitting ballhawks, Taylor was celebrated across the NFL for his abilities. During the middle of the 2007 season, an intruder broke into his house, shot him in the leg, rupturing his femoral artery. He died the next day after falling into a coma.

Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals (1976-2004)

Pat Tillman #40
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Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals (1976-2004)

Pat Tillman #40
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An outstanding, passionate safety for the Cardinals, Tillman left behind millions of NFL dollars to serve for his country. While on deployment in Afghanistan, he was killed by friendly fire. Tillman is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere who choose patriotism over the bright lights.

Oscar Taveras, St. Louis Cardinals (1992-2014)

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Oscar Taveras, St. Louis Cardinals (1992-2014)

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One of the top prospects in MLB, Taveras was confirmed dead on October 26 after being involved in a car crash. The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native showed impressive promise for the St. Louis Cardinals and figured to be a big part of the team’s future before his fatal accident.

Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of all of these athletes.

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