Absolutely heartbreaking news tonight: Oscar Taveras was killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.

From Jenifer Langosch, Cardinals.com reporter:

The Cardinals were hit with devastating news on Sunday, when it was learned that top prospect Oscar Taveras was killed in a car accident back home in the Dominican Republic. Taveras’ agent, Brian Mejia, confirmed the news to MLB.com. Reached by phone, general manager John Mozeliak said that he, too, had heard from Mejia, but that the organization was waiting for a few more details before confirming the news with a public statement.

Mozeliak did say: “Obviously, we have deep condolences to his family. We are still waiting for more details before issuing a full statement.”

Taveras was 22.

Such a tragedy. Sincere sympathies to Oscar’s family, friends, teammates and everyone with the Cardinals.

UPDATE:

Here is the official statement from the Cardinals this evening:

The St. Louis Cardinals offer condolences to the family of Oscar Taveras the 22-year-old Cardinals outfielder, who was killed earlier today in an automobile accident in the Dominican Republic.

“We are all stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of the youngest members of the Cardinals family,” Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. “Oscar was an amazing talent with a bright future who was taken from us well before his time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends tonight.”

“I simply can’t believe it,” said John Mozeliak, Sr. VP & GM of the St. Louis Cardinals.  “I first met Oscar when he was sixteen years old and will forever remember him as a wonderful young man who was a gifted athlete with an infectious love for life who lived every day to the fullest.”

The team will provide additional information on funeral arrangements at a later time.