Luis Guevara, a 19-year-old prospect for the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league team, passed away from injuries sustained in a jet ski collision on June 15, 2025, near Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida. The incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. when two personal watercraft collided head-on, throwing all four riders into the water.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that each watercraft had two occupants. Guevara was on one jet ski with Keiver Jose Guillen Reatiga, while the other jet ski carried Miguel Rodriguez, 19, and Jesus Palacios, 20, both also Orioles prospects from Venezuela.
The Sarasota Police Department’s report described a chaotic scene upon officers’ arrival at South Lido Beach. Rodriguez and Palacios stated that they were heading towards Guevara and Reatiga when their jet ski hit a wave, causing a loss of control. The airborne watercraft collided with Guevara and Reatiga’s jet ski, causing both men to be thrown into the water.
A witness, Mariah Gonzalez, provided a different perspective, noting the watercraft was being operated recklessly. She observed one of the jet skis stalling, with its operator standing up, waving, and shouting in Spanish to alert the other approaching watercraft. Despite the warnings, the collision ensued.
Nearby boaters and Good Samaritans quickly assisted in bringing the injured men to shore. Gonzalez called 911, and others went into the water to help. Emergency medical services arrived within five minutes and performed CPR before transporting the injured to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
The police report detailed Reatiga’s severe facial trauma, fractures, and lung damage, though he remained conscious. Guevara, however, suffered internal and brain trauma. Despite medical efforts, Guevara succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias confirmed Guevara’s death in a statement on Tuesday. “Luis was a beloved member of our organization, and we are devastated following his tragic passing,” Elias stated. The organization requested privacy for Guevara’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
Following the incident, the Orioles postponed several Florida Complex League games. Games slated for June 16 and 17 were canceled, and the June 19 game against the Braves was also postponed. Initially, the team announced some players were involved in a personal watercraft accident but did not immediately disclose their identities.
Guevara, from Tinaco, Venezuela, joined Baltimore as an international free agent in January 2023. He spent his first two professional seasons with the Dominican Summer League Orioles. The 2025 season marked his first in the United States, where he played 30 games across various levels within the organization.
The young infielder played 24 games with Single-A Delmarva, four with the Florida Complex League Orioles, and two with Double-A Chesapeake. He primarily played shortstop, with appearances at second base, third base, and left field during his minor league career.
Upon signing Guevara, Baltimore recognized him as a potential leadoff hitter with notable skills. The organization highlighted his exceptional bat-to-ball ability and smooth swing from both sides of the plate. The switch-hitter showed advanced hitting prowess and power potential to the gaps during his development.
Throughout his minor league career of 114 games across four teams, Guevara maintained a .281 batting average with 49 RBIs and 41 stolen bases. His performance demonstrated the speed and offensive skills that initially attracted Baltimore’s scouting department.
The Major League Baseball Players Association also released a statement offering condolences to Guevara’s family, friends, and teammates. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to investigate the accident, as the case remains active to determine all contributing factors.
