Cubs minor league pitching coach Charlie Haeger found dead; sought in connection with killing

Former major league pitcher Charlie Haeger, who had been hired by the Cubs to be the pitching coach at Double-A Tennessee in 2020, was found dead near the Grand Canyon Saturday as police were seeking him in connection with the shooting of his ex-girlfriend Danielle Long in Scottsdale, Arizona, per the Arizona Republic:

Police say Haeger killed 34-year-old Danielle Breed, who went by her maiden name of Long, Friday night before fleeing.

His abandoned grey 2020 Chrysler Voyager was found near Flagstaff on Saturday.

Officials said Haeger was found dead of an self-inflicted gunshot wound along the Rim Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon around 4 p.m., according to police.

The Cubs issued a statement to The Athletic late Saturday:

“First, we would like to express our condolences to the family of Danielle Breed,” Cubs vice president of communications Julian Green said in a statement before Haeger’s death was announced. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

“Charles Haeger was hired by the Chicago Cubs organization as a minor league pitching coach in November 2019. Haeger initially attended Spring Training activities, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic which suspended operations and forced the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season, his role and team interactions have been limited. Given this is an active investigation, we are assisting the Scottsdale Police Department and will not make any further comment.”

Charlie Haeger was a 25th-round draft pick of the White Sox in 2001 and pitched for them in 2006 and 2007 before moving on to the Padres in 2008 and Dodgers in 2009-10. He later pitched in the Mariners and Red Sox organizations. Per the article in The Athletic he had also worked as an assistant minor-league pitching coordinator in the Tampa Bay Rays organization from 2016-18.

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