Responding to a report that Roy Halladay was doing aerial stunts and had drugs in his system when he fatally crashed his plane in 2017, the Hall of Fame pitcher’s widow urged fans to be understanding.
“Yesterday’s NTSB report on Roy’s accident was painful for our family, as it has caused us to relive the worst day of our lives. It has reinforced what I have previously stated, that no one is perfect,” Brandy Halladay said in a statement released Thursday by the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Most families struggle in some capacity and ours was no exception. We respectfully ask that you not make assumptions or pass judgment. Rather, we encourage you to hug your loved ones and appreciate having them in your lives. As a family, we ask that you allow Roy to rest in peace.”
A National Transportation Safety Board report released Wednesday said the 40-year-old Halladay was performing stunts and had high amphetamine levels when he crashed into the water near the Tampa Bay area of Florida on Nov. 7, 2017.
Halladay’s plane, an Icon A5, was in a deep nosedive when it slammed into shallow water. He died of blunt force trauma and drowning, according to the report.
Halladay, an eight-time All-Star, went 203-105 in 16 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays (1998-2009) and the Phillies (2010-13). He compiled a 3.38 ERA and 2,117 strikeouts in 416 games (390 starts). He tossed 67 complete games, including 20 shutouts, and was inducted into Cooperstown in 2019.
–Field Level Media
