Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte announced on Twitter on Monday night that his wife, Noelia, has died of a heart attack.
“I go through the pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack,” Marte wrote. “It is a moment of great sorrow.”
The Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom Marte played the first eight years of his career, tweeted a message of their own:
“The entire Pirates family extend our deepest condolences to Starling Marte and family during this terrible time. Our hearts are truly saddened by this news.”
The Diamondbacks, to whom Marte was traded in January, posted a statement to Twitter as well:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Noelia Marte. Starling and his family are part of the D-backs’ family and we will do all we can to support him and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”