MLB Pitcher Turned Cop Killed In Crash On Way To 9/11 Memorial

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A man who retired from professional baseball to become a Port Authority police officer was killed early Sunday morning in a Turnpike crash while heading to work at a 9/11 memorial event, the state police and his former team confirmed.

Anthony M. Varvaro, 37, of Jersey City was hit head-on by another driver on the New Jersey Turnpike Hudson Bay Extension at 4:25 a.m., state police said.

The Atlanta Braves Tweeted:

Varvaro, a relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Braves, was heading to work at a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in Manhattan, the Associated Press said.

State Trooper Charles Manchan said that, based on a preliminary investigation, Valvaro was heading east on the Turnpike Extension.

A Toyota Rav 4 operated by Henry A. Plazas, 30, of Bridgewater, N.J. was traveling west in the eastbound lanes when it hit Varvaro's car, Manchan said.

"The Toyota struck the Nissan head-on causing the Nissan to strike the right concrete barrier," Manchan said. "As a result of the crash, both drivers sustained fatal injuries."

Police are still investigating the crash and would not give further information, they said.

The Port Authority police union said Varvaro was a father of four.

They Tweeted: