FULLERTON (April 9, 2009) — Jon Wilhite, who played for the Humboldt Crabs in 2004, was seriously injured in the crash that killed Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenart and two other people early Thursday morning.
Adenhart had just pitched six scoreless innings against the Oakland A's in his first start of the season, and the group had gone out dancing. On their way home, they were struck when a minivan driven by 22-year-old Andrew Gallo — who allegedly was driving drunk and on a suspended license from a previous DUI — ran a red light. Adenhart, 22, Henry Nigel Pearson, 27 and Courtney Frances Stewart, 20, were killed, while Wilhite, 24, is in critical condition at UC Irvine Medical Center. TMZ.com quoted Cal State Fullerton athletic director Brian Quinn as saying Wilhite is conscious and his injuries were "not immediately life-threatening."
Wilhite, who played his college ball with the Titans, was a catcher for the Crabs in 2004.
"He was one of those rare lefties who caught right hit left," said current Crabs Manager Matt Nutter. "He was a great kid who worked for me that summer, too. He was one of those guys on the team that's always positive, a good guy to be around, always had a smile on his face. We wish him well."
UPDATE April 12 — Wilhite has been upgraded from critical to serious condition. A fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to help pay his medical expenses. Donations can be made to the Benefit Fund for Jon Wilhite, Acct. #3980643658, at any Wells Fargo branch.
