ST. PETERSBURG FLA. — The death Tampa Bay RaysJean Ramirez was a bullpen catcher near Fort Worth in Texas. He has been declared a suicide.
Three days after the body of the 28-year old was discovered, the Tarrant County medical examiner’s Office released its findings on Thursday.
Through the Rays, the Ramirez Family released a statement thanking the team.
“The most difficult experience we have ever lived was the loss of our son. We sometimes miss the signs. The family stated that it was not okay to struggle in silence.
The family said, “It’s our commitment to honor the life of our son by helping other families.” “No parent should be forced to suffer the loss of their child,”
The Rays posted the news on Twitter last Tuesday, but didn’t release any details. The Tampa Bay Times reported Monday that the body had been found in a field next to the family home.
Ramirez is a Puerto Rican native who went to Fort Worth high school. He was drafted 28th from Illinois State in 2016. After playing three years in Tampa Bay’s minor-league system, Ramirez was selected in the 28th round of the draft. He then began a three-season stint with the major league team as a bullpen catcher in 2019.
“We are very thankful to the Tampa Bay Rays organisation, whom we consider our families for their love, support, and care,” the family stated. “Our son felt loved every day by you all.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash made a tribute to Ramirez in Tuesday’s statement.
Cash stated, “He brought so many passion and energy every day to our bullpen and clubhouse, and his love of the Rays was evident to all who interacted.”