Yadier Molina breaks silence after fatal jet crash raises questions about planned family trip

A private jet that was scheduled to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina crashed shortly after takeoff in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, leaving the pilot and co-pilot dead. Before returning to Puerto Rico, the aircraft was heading to Texas where Molina, his family, and friends were waiting. Officials have said none of the passengers were on board at the time of the collision. Currently under investigation is the cause of the accident. The tragic incident quickly drew attention across the baseball world after Molina shared a message on social media. The former St. Louis Cardinals catcher expressed his condolences to the families of the two crew members and revealed that he and his loved ones were supposed to be on the return trip. The crash happened near La Romana shortly after the jet took off and attempted to return to the airport following an onboard problem. According to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, and Dominican aviation authorities, the Gulfstream G200 jet departed from La Romana International Airport on Sunday. Soon after takeoff, the crew reported a problem and declared an emergency. The pilots then tried to return to the airport, but the aircraft crashed during the attempt and burst into flames. Both crew members were killed. They were the only people on board. In a message shared on social media, Molina wrote, “My condolences to the pilots and their families. This plane was on its way to pick up me, my family, and friends in Texas to return to Puerto Rico. This is all so heartbreaking.” Reuters and AP reported that the former catcher confirmed the flight’s purpose himself. Video from the scene showed heavy flames and thick smoke after the impact. Emergency crews rushed to the area and worked to control the fire, but the two pilots could not be saved. Dominican authorities have launched an investigation to determine exactly what led to the emergency and subsequent crash. Molina, 43, spent his entire 19-year Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He won two World Series titles, earned 10 All-Star selections, and collected nine Gold Glove Awards before retiring after the 2022 season.