HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA — Matt Kimbrel, a former Atlanta Braves minor league pitcher and younger brother of former major-league closer Craig Kimbrel, has died at age 36 following a motorcycle crash in Huntsville, Alabama.
Kimbrel was involved in the collision Saturday morning near U.S. Highway 431 and Cove Commons Drive. According to Huntsville police, he was traveling north on Highway 431 at a high rate of speed when a dump truck began turning onto Cove Commons Drive.
Investigators said Kimbrel was unable to stop in time. The motorcycle lost control and slid into the dump truck.
Kimbrel was taken to a local hospital following the crash, where he later died from his injuries.
Matt Kimbrel Crash in Huntsville
The collision occurred at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday in the area of Highway 431 and Cove Commons Drive.
Police said Kimbrel was traveling northbound when the dump truck began making its turn. Investigators determined that the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed and that Kimbrel could not stop before reaching the truck.
The motorcycle then slid into the commercial vehicle, resulting in severe injuries.
Authorities have not publicly released the specific make or model of the motorcycle or dump truck.
Matt Kimbrel Death Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Matt Kimbrel |
| Age | 36 |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Crash location | U.S. Highway 431 near Cove Commons Drive |
| Vehicle | Motorcycle |
| Other vehicle | Dump truck |
| Crash time | Around 8 a.m., Saturday |
| Direction of travel | Northbound |
| Injuries | Fatal |
| Place of death | Local hospital |
| Cause of death | Injuries sustained in motorcycle crash |
| Police investigation | Ongoing |
| Criminal charges | None anticipated |
Former Atlanta Braves Minor League Pitcher
Matt Kimbrel was more than a victim of a fatal traffic collision. He had a connection to professional baseball through the Atlanta Braves organization and shared the sport with his younger brother, Craig Kimbrel.
Atlanta selected Matt Kimbrel in the 2012 MLB Draft. He subsequently spent three seasons pitching in the Braves’ minor league system.
His baseball career placed him in the same organization where Craig Kimbrel developed before becoming one of Major League Baseball’s prominent relief pitchers.
Craig went on to establish himself as a major-league closer, while Matt pursued his own path through the Braves’ minor league system.
Investigation Into the Huntsville Crash
Huntsville police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigators have said that speed was a factor in determining why Kimbrel was unable to stop before the dump truck completed its turn. Police have not indicated that criminal wrongdoing by the dump-truck driver is expected, and no criminal charges are anticipated in connection with the crash.
The investigation is expected to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the collision and document the roadway and traffic conditions at the time.
Remembering Matt Kimbrel
Kimbrel’s death has brought renewed attention to the former Braves minor leaguer and his connection to professional baseball through his brother.
For those who followed the Kimbrel family’s baseball journey, Matt’s career represented a chapter of his own within the Braves organization. He spent several seasons pursuing professional baseball after being selected by Atlanta in 2012.
His death at 36 marks a sudden loss for his family, friends and those who knew him through baseball and the Huntsville community.
No Criminal Charges Expected
Police have not announced criminal charges against the driver of the dump truck.
The current investigation remains focused on reconstructing the crash and determining the circumstances surrounding the motorcycle’s speed, the truck’s turn and the moments immediately before the collision.
Further details may become available as investigators complete their work.
Disclaimer
This article is based on currently available information concerning Matt Kimbrel’s death and the Huntsville motorcycle crash. Accident investigations can develop as additional facts are established. Details concerning the crash, investigation and circumstances of death may be updated as authorities release further information. Funeral, memorial and family-related information should be confirmed through the family or authorized representatives.