Ryan Freel was found dead in his Jacksonville, Florda home on Saturday Dec. 22. The former Cincinnati Reds baseball player left a wife, Christie, and three young daughter behind.

Police told the Florida Times-Union that Ryan, 36, appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“RIP Ryan Freel!! Great teammate, great guy, n loved his family! Such a sad day today with his passing! Awful news! Prayers are with his family,” Sean Casey, Ryan’s former teammate with the Cincinnati Reds, tweeted on Dec. 22.

Ryan played for the Reds from 2003 to 2008, and during one three-year stretch had 110 stolen bases. Ryan was paid $11.5 million in his career, but ended after a succession of injuries he accumulated after 2006.

After retiring, Ryan returned to his hometown of Jacksonville and coached youth players for an organization called Big League Development.

The Reds released a statement that said, “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.”

Brandon Phillips, another of Ryan’s teammates with the Reds, tweeted, “Really hurt by his passing. You never will be forgotten.”

Our thoughts go out to Ryan’s family and friends at this difficult time.

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— Chris Rogers

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