The baseball world is mourning the loss of former prospect Brian Kirby, who tragically lost his life last Wednesday following an accident in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Kirby, 46, was working as an HVAC technician at the Graves Memorial Baptist Church when the incident occurred, according to a statement released by the church.
Authorities from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene at approximately 11:20 a.m. after Kirby was found unresponsive on the building’s roof.
Deputies reportedly used a drone to locate Kirby’s body, which was discovered near two air conditioning units atop the church structure.
While a specific cause of death has not yet been released, the church described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’ and immediately canceled services to honor his memory.
‘He was more than an employee – he was part of our family and our community,’ the church shared in a Facebook post.
The baseball world is mourning the loss of former prospect Brian Kirby, who tragically lost his life last Wednesday
Kirby pictured with his wife Jennifer and their two children; Jordan and Brantley
‘Tragically, he lost his life. He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt.’
Kirby’s baseball journey saw him drafted twice, first by the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 and later by the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians) in 2001.
Though he never reached the Major Leagues, he enjoyed a professional career playing for minor league and independent league teams between 2001 and 2005.
Kirby, who would have turned 47 this August, is survived by his parents, his wife Jennifer, and their two young daughters.
An obituary shared by Smith Family Funeral Homes read: ‘Brian was a devoted husband and father.
‘He married Jennifer on Valentine’s Day in 2008, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. He was a proud father to Jordan and Brantley, who were the center of his world.’
A celebration of his life was scheduled for Wednesday as family, friends and former teammates gathered to remember Kirby.
