Former Toronto Blue Jays star pitcher Roy Halladay has died after his plane crashed in the Gulf of Mexico. He was 40.
The sheriff's department in Pasco County, Fla., confirmed Halladay's body was found at the scene of the crash. At a news conference, Sheriff Chris Nocco - who knew Halladay - said the ICON A5 went down about noon Eastern Time near Holiday, Fla.
Nocco says Halladay was probably one of the most humble human beings you'll ever meet, calling him kind and generous.
The sheriff's office marine unit responded to the downed plane and found Halladay's body.
Statement from the Blue Jays organization on the tragic passing of Roy Halladay: pic.twitter.com/Ih8D0RQE9p
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 7, 2017
No survivors were found. Police said they couldn't confirm if there were additional passengers on the plane or say where it was headed.
Halladay was an amateur pilot who often posted on social media about small planes. ICON aircraft had posted a video with Halladay trying out a new plane.
READ MORE ABOUT ROY HALLADAY IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S ARTICLE "WHAT MAKES ROY RUN"
Halladay won a Cy Young Award with the Blue Jays in 2003 and took the NL award in 2010 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history on May 29, 2010.
The native of Denver, Colo., was selected by the Blue Jays in the first round (No. 17 overall) of the 1995 MLB Amateur Draft.
The six-foot-six 225-pound right-hander made his big-league debut with Toronto in 1998 and became a regular the following season. He broke out in the 2002 campaign with a 19-7 record and 2.93 earned-run average over 239 1/3 innings.
RIP Roy Doc Halladay, a true baseball great and a man with a generous heart.Our thoughts and prayers are with Roy and his family during this difficult time. We were blessed to have known him and consider him to be a member of our family. We are grateful for his love and support. pic.twitter.com/wMprVclFtC
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) November 7, 2017
In his AL Cy Young season, Halladay went 22-7 with a 3.25 ERA and nine complete games over 266 innings.
A face of the franchise for most of his 12-year run in Toronto, he was dealt to Philadelphia in December 2009.
Halladay won the NL Cy Young in his first season with the Phillies, going 21-10 in 2010 with a 2.44 ERA and nine complete games.
We are saddened by the tragic news that Roy Halladay, 2-time Cy Young Award winner & 8-time All-Star, has died in a plane crash. He was 40. pic.twitter.com/SOFv3bOLyt
— MLB (@MLB) November 7, 2017
He spent four seasons in Philadelphia before retiring.
The Phillies have released a statement saying ``We are numb over the very tragic news about Roy Halladay's untimely death'' ``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.''
In late 2013, Halladay signed a one-day free-agent contract with Toronto so he could retire as a Blue Jay.
Over 16 seasons in the major leagues, Halladay had a 203-105 record and 3.38 ERA.
Shocking news out of Florida. Saddened to hear that we've lost @BlueJays #legend, @RoyHalladay. Will never forget seeing the Doc dominate on the mound here in Toronto. #CyYoung pic.twitter.com/25KxOWj0q3
— John Tory (@JohnTory) November 7, 2017
Halladay had recently been posting photos and videos on social media of his light-sport aircraft.
I’m really not big on posting pic’s of my stuff and I’ll never be on Cribs... but this A5 is so outrageous I’d feel guilty not sharing pics! pic.twitter.com/UUmZMfgsff
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 17, 2017