Oscar Taveras was "legally intoxicated" at the time of his fatal car accident, a spokesperson for the attorney general's office in the Dominican Republic told The Associated Press on Wednesday (via USA Today).
Oscar Taveras drunk at time of crash, police reports say
Taveras’ BAC was five times the legal limit, according to reports out of the Dominican Republic.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Toxicology reports showed the 22-year-old Taveras' blood alcohol content level was five times the legal limit, Tessie Sanchez confirmed to AP. The St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Edilia Arvelo, were killed on Oct. 26 when Taveras lost control of his car while driving in wet conditions on a highway near his hometown of Sosua.
Upon hearing the reports, the Cardinals released a statement.
“We have seen the media reports regarding Oscar Taveras that have come out this afternoon, but have yet to receive any official notification from the Dominican,” general manager John Mozielak said. “Until we have the opportunity to review the official report, we cannot confirm details. While we are still working to obtain the facts, it won’t change the fact that his is a terrible tragedy. We have an obligation to use this as an opportunity to educate our players that they must take responsibility for themselves both on and off the field.”
Taveras, the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2014 season, hit .320/.376/.516 in parts of six minor league seasons before making his MLB debut with the Cardinals in May. Taveras posted a .239/.278/.312 line in 246 big league plate appearances during the regular season and notched three hits, including a home run, in limited postseason action against the Dodgers and Giants.
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