BREAKING: Distracted Driver Hits Elderly Man in Venezuela — Victim Identified as Father of Tigers Legend Miguel Cabrera
June 16, 2025 — Caracas, Venezuela
Tragedy struck the streets of Venezuela this afternoon when a distracted driver, reportedly texting while behind the wheel, ran a red light and plowed into a 65-year-old man and members of his family at a busy intersection in Maracay. Moments later, emergency responders on the scene made a chilling discovery — the elderly victim was none other than Miguel Cabrera’s father.
Cabrera, the iconic Detroit Tigers slugger and future Hall of Famer, was reportedly informed within minutes of the incident by Venezuelan authorities and has since flown back to his home country.
A Tragic Crash — and a Shocking Connection
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time at the corner of Avenida Las Delicias and Calle 105. Witnesses say the driver, a 24-year-old male in a compact SUV, sped through a red light while looking at his phone and struck the pedestrians with brutal force.
“I saw the car coming fast — he didn’t even try to brake,” said one bystander. “People were screaming. Then someone recognized the man on the ground. They said, ‘That’s Miguel’s father!’”
Rescue crews were on the scene within minutes. The 65-year-old man — later confirmed as Miguel Cabrera’s father, Miguel Cabrera Sr. — suffered extensive internal injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital along with two other family members, including a young grandchild.
Cabrera Responds
According to a source close to the family, Miguel Cabrera was “devastated” upon hearing the news. He had reportedly spoken to his father just hours before the crash and was preparing for a community outreach event in Detroit when he received the call.
“He immediately canceled everything and headed for the airport,” the source said. “He’s crushed. The bond between Miguel and his father has always been incredibly strong.”
There has been no official statement yet from the Detroit Tigers, but the team is expected to issue one shortly. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is also reportedly monitoring the situation.
The Driver in Custody
Police have taken the driver into custody and confirmed he was using his phone at the time of the crash. He is currently facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, distracted driving, and vehicular assault.
Authorities are also reviewing local traffic camera footage and speaking with eyewitnesses.
A Nation in Mourning
As news of the incident spread, fans and Venezuelan citizens flooded social media with messages of support and prayer for the Cabrera family.
“He brought pride to Venezuela for decades,” one fan posted. “Now we must bring strength to him.”
If confirmed, this tragedy could become yet another symbol of Venezuela’s growing crisis with traffic accidents, which have become alarmingly common due to outdated infrastructure, loose enforcement, and distracted driving.
As the world of baseball holds its breath, the life of a man who raised one of the sport’s all-time greats now hangs in the balance — struck down in an instant by a careless act.
