Former MLB Prospect Jesús Montero Dies at 35 in Tragic Motorcycle Accident
October 19, 2025
Montero's career faced setbacks due to disciplinary issues, injuries, and struggles with consistency, which ultimately limited his impact at the MLB level.
Despite early promise and being ranked as high as No. 3 in Baseball America, Montero's MLB impact was limited, with a career batting average of .253, 28 home runs, and 104 RBIs over five seasons.
His career was marred by struggles with weight, defense, injuries, and suspensions related to doping violations in 2013 and 2016, which hindered his progress and led to his MLB career ending in 2016.
He was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a pickup truck, suffering injuries including a punctured lung, broken ribs, and kidney damage, and his death was confirmed nearly two weeks after the crash.
Montero is survived by his two children, Jesús and Loren, with their mother Taneth Gimenez, who paid tribute to him on Instagram, sharing memories and expressing her grief.
His death came just days after the passing of baseball legend Sandy Alomar Sr, marking a somber period for the baseball community.
He continued playing professionally in Venezuela from 2016 through 2021, maintaining a presence in winter baseball with teams like Navegantes del Magallanes and Águilas del Zulia.
Following the motorcycle accident, a GoFundMe campaign was created to cover his medical expenses, and his family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers.
Jesús Montero, a highly regarded Venezuelan baseball prospect who signed with the Yankees at age 16 in 2006, had a career that included stints with the Yankees and Mariners, but faced setbacks due to injuries, disciplinary issues, and doping suspensions.
In October 2025, Montero tragically died at age 35 in a motorcycle accident in Venezuela, after earlier being placed in an induced coma following a collision with a pickup truck that caused severe injuries.
His ex-wife and children’s mother, Taneth Gimenez, shared heartfelt condolences and photos of their family on social media, emphasizing their loss.
The baseball community, including the Yankees and MLB, expressed condolences and paid tribute to Montero, highlighting his charisma and talent despite his career challenges.
Summary based on 27 sources
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Sources

The Athletic • Oct 19, 2025
Former Yankees, Mariners catcher Jesús Montero dies after traffic accident in Venezuela
Reuters • Oct 20, 2025
Jesus Montero, former Mariners and Yankees catcher, dies at 35
New York Post • Oct 19, 2025
Jesus Montero once confronted a scout who sent him an ice cream sandwich during a game
New York Post • Oct 19, 2025
Jesus Montero's ex-wife delivers touching tribute to former Yankees prospect after tragic death