Dead at 23, Twins prospect Ryan Costello remembered as 'brother' and 'family man'
As the baseball world remembers the life of 23-year-old Ryan Costello, supporters have started generated financial help for the Twins prospect's family through an online fundraiser.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by one of Costello's minor league teammates describes Costello, who was traded to the Twins from the Mariners in 2018, as a "brother to many and a family man."
"Not only was he blessed with the abilities to play baseball at a high level but he was blessed with a smile and laugh that was contagious. He always meant well and always seeked ways to improve himself and the people around him," says Mark Contreras, an outfielder who played alongside Costello last summer with the Double-A Penascola Blue Wahoos.
"He will continue to love through us as his brothers and teammates. And we will never forget. Rest easy brother we all love you."
As of Monday evening, the fundraiser had generated approximately $5,600 of a $10,000 goal, with the proceeds going to Costello's family.
Costello was found dead in his hotel room Sunday morning in Auckland, New Zealand, according to his team, the Auckland Tuatara. The statement says it appears that Costello died of natural causes.
"We are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Ryan Costello. The entire Twins organization sends our most sincere condolences to Ryan's family, friends, coaches, and teammates," a statement from the Twins reads.
Marshall Kellner, the Minnesota native who does the radio play-by-play for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, said Costello had a "big personality" off the field and "tremendous power" on the field.
Costello hit 15 home runs between Class A Advanced Fort Myers and Double-A last season, including a clutch home run that helped the Fort Myers Miracle win the Florida State League championship.
