Detroit Tigers coach Kimera Bartee dies at the age of 49 after ‘collapsing while visiting family for the holidays’: Engaged father-of-three had no known health issues
- Detroit Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee, 49, passed away Monday after he reportedly collapsed while visiting family in Omaha, Nebraska
- He had no known health issues and his cause of death remains unknown
- The former outfielder leaves behind his father, fiancée Terri Slide, and children Andrew, Amari and Taeja
- The family is currently making funeral arrangements
- Bartee spent four seasons with the Tigers and the team says ‘his memory and spirit will never be forgotten’
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Detroit Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee (pictured in 1998) died on Monday after he collapsed while visiting family in Nebraska for the holidays
Detroit Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee died on Monday after he reportedly collapsed while visiting family in Nebraska for the holidays.
He had no known health issues and his cause of death remains unknown, the team told the Detroit Free Press.
Bartee, 49, leaves behind his father Jerry, fiancée, Terri Slide, 43, and children Andrew, Amari and Taeja. The family is currently in the process of making funeral arrangements.
Tigers general manager Al Avila issued a statement offering condolences to the family: ‘All of us in the Tigers baseball family were shocked and saddened.
‘Throughout his time in our organization as both a player and a coach, Kimera was known as a kind soul but intense competitor who did his best every day to elevate those around him to do great things.
‘While Tigers fans got used to seeing him in the first base coach’s box, Kimera’s impact on our ball club went far deeper and will be sorely missed.’
Avila added: ‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the organization are with Kimera’s family and friends, and his memory and spirit will never be forgotten.’
Bartee, an Omaha native, began his baseball career at Creighton University in Omaha. He spent six years playing in the major leagues and four seasons with the Tigers.
Bartee (pictured in July 2021) had no apparent health issues and his cause of death is unknown, according to the team
Bartee (left) leaves behind his father Jerry, fiancée, Terri Slide (right), and children Andrew, Amari and Taeja
The Tigers announced Bartee’s passing on Twitter late Tuesday morning.
‘We mourn the passing of Kimera Bartee, who played for the Tigers from 1996-99 and spent last season as the Tigers first base coach,’ the team wrote.
Avila and team manager A.J. Hinch are reportedly in contact with Bartee’s family and have offered their support to his loved ones.
‘Like many across baseball, I was devastated by the news of Kimera’s passing,’ Hinch said in a statement.
‘From the start of spring training last year, it was clear that “KB“ was the epitome of a player’s coach, having an uncanny ability to build deep connections with anyone from a rookie to a 10-year veteran.
He added: ‘The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fiancé, father and son.’
The Tigers announced Bartee’s passing on Twitter late Tuesday morning
Bartee spent four of his six MLB seasons with the Tigers and then spent the final two years of his playing career with the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies.
After his playing career ended, he coached for the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Tigers.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting, in a statement, said the organization is ‘deeply saddened’ by Bartee’s sudden passing.
‘He was a great person, whose upbeat attitude and infectious smile would always lift the spirits of anyone who interacted with him.
‘Our hearts go out to his family, whom he loved so much. He was much too young and will be dearly missed.’
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