A terrible, terrible story touching on the Chicago Cubs organization.
Charles Haeger, the would-be Cubs pitching coach at AA Tennessee, was being sought in connection with the Friday night shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Danielle Breed. He was found dead near the Grand Canyon late Saturday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, per the LA Times.
Haeger, 37, was a former pitcher for the White Sox, Padres, and Dodgers, and later a pitching coordinator in the Rays organization. He was hired this past offseason to serve as the pitching coach at AA Tennessee, which would have been his first year with the Cubs until the pandemic canceled the minor league season.
The Athletic obtained a statement from the Cubs organization:
“First, we would like to express our condolences to the family of Danielle Breed,” Cubs vice president of communications Julian Green said in a statement before Haeger’s death was announced. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Charles Haeger was hired by the Chicago Cubs organization as a minor league pitching coach in November 2019. Haeger initially attended Spring Training activities, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic which suspended operations and forced the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season, his role and team interactions have been limited. Given this is an active investigation, we are assisting the Scottsdale Police Department and will not make any further comment.”
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.
UPDATE: @ScottsdalePD says Haeger died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found along the rim trail at South Rim of the Grand Canyon around 4PM. Investigation ongoing. #fox10phoenix https://t.co/UpSv1SM5bc
— Justin Lum (@jlumfox10) October 4, 2020