JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Action News has learned that former Cincinnati Reds player and both Sandalwood and Englewood alumni Ryan Freel committed suicide Saturday evening.
Freel played for five Major league teams from 2001 to 2009. During those 8 years, he suffered from numerous concussions.
The Cincinnati Reds released the following statement on Freel’s death:
"The Reds family is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ryan Freel. His teammates and our fans loved him for how hard he played the game, and he loved giving back to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Since his retirement he has lived in Jacksonville, his hometown.
A former associate tells Action News that Freel was interested, during this past summer, on taking a postion at St. Joseph’s Academy.
