Braves Turn In Minor Leaguer After Fatal Car Crash In Florida

An ex-Atlanta Braves minor league catcher, who is 18 years old, was placed under arrest Monday morning following the organization turning him in after allegedly playing a part in a deadly hit-and-run crash that took place on an interstate in Florida.

From Cocoa, Jonathan Matos Morales was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol following the Braves franchise finding his 2022 Ford Mustang parked at their compound.

Per state troopers, Matos Morales was turned in by the team following their discovery of the car. He has since been hit with charges of vehicular homicide and leaving a crash scene involving death. (RELATED: Cubs Co-Owner Claps Back At Left-Wing Hemorrhoids Who Criticized Matt Shaw For Attending Charlie Kirk Memorial)

Matos Morales has been booked into Manatee County Jail.

The following statement has been released by the Braves, per FOX 5 Atlanta:

“We are aware that a player who was formerly in our minor league system is under investigation related to a fatal accident that occurred yesterday in Manatee County. Our organization is cooperating fully with authorities and will not have any further comment at this time. Our condolences go to the loved ones of all who were involved.”

Jonathan Matos Morales, the former Braves Minor League Player accused of causing a hit-and-run in Bradenton that killed a semi-truck driver, appeared in court after his arrest on Tuesday. https://t.co/ccDqsQ9BDN pic.twitter.com/nwotiBbQgy

— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 21, 2026

The car crash is still being investigated.

It occurred Monday morning south of State Road 64 on I-75.

According to troopers, a Mustang that is dark-colored ended up hitting a Chevy Trailblazer while weaving in and out of traffic.

As a result, the SUV was pushed towards the route of a semi-tractor-trailer, which was being operated by Stavan Albert Facey.

“Driving a vehicle like that high profile, early in the morning and with a full load obviously they can’t stop on a dime,” stated Trooper Ken Watson.

The truck ended up overturning and landing on all three lanes southbound, with Facey dying on scene. Per the family of Facey, the 34-year-old was a father of four and worked very hard.

According to investigators, Matos Morales briefly stopped his vehicle prior to allegedly fleeing from the scene. Minor injuries were suffered by the SUV driver.