BREAKING NEWS: Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Beloved Baseball Manager and Family
Thursday, 8 May 2025 — 10:42 AM EST
In a devastating turn of events, David Collins, the widely respected manager of the Los Angeles Kingsmen baseball team, was killed alongside his wife and two children in a plane crash late Wednesday evening.
The Collins family was aboard a private aircraft traveling from Phoenix, Arizona to Denver, Colorado when the plane reportedly lost contact with air traffic control and crashed in a remote mountainous area near Flagstaff. Emergency crews reached the site early Thursday morning and confirmed there were no survivors.
The victims have been identified as David Collins, 52; his wife Melissa Collins, 48; their daughter Ava, 17; and son Lucas, 13.
Collins had managed the Kingsmen for eight seasons, leading them to a World Series title in 2022 and becoming a cherished figure in the baseball community for his leadership, humility, and passion for the game.
“This is a tragedy beyond words,” said Kingsmen General Manager Alex Reyes in an emotional press conference. “David was not only the heart of this team—he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man who gave everything to the sport and to those around him. We are in deep mourning.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with early reports suggesting possible mechanical failure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that weather conditions were clear at the time of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Major League Baseball has postponed the Kingsmen’s upcoming series and announced plans to hold a league-wide moment of silence before tonight’s games.
Fans have begun gathering outside Kingsmen Stadium, leaving flowers, jerseys, and heartfelt messages in memory of the Collins family. A public vigil is expected to be held in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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