Roy Halladay Dies In Plane Crash Off Florida's Gulf Coast

Roy Halladay has died after his plane crashed off Florida's Gulf Coast on Tuesday.

Former Major League pitcher Roy Halladay has died after his plane crashed off Florida's Gulf Coast in Pasco County on Tuesday, the Pasco Sheriff's Office announced. He was 40 years old. 

The United States Coast Guard, the Pasco Fire Department and the Pasco Sheriff's Office all responded to the scene after a call came in after noon. The sheriff's office could not confirm the flight path or if there was one.

The tail number of the ICON A5 light sports aircraft matched the number belonging to the former Blue Jays and Phillies ace.

Halladay pitched 16 years in the majors from 1998 to 2013. He won two Cy Young Awards and finished his career with a 203–105 record and 3.38 ERA in 416 career games. He pitched 67 complete games and 20 shutouts.

In 2013, he signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Blue Jays, where he played the first 12 years of his career. He was a six-time All-Star with Toronto. Halladay was traded to the Phillies before the 2010 season. He threw a perfect game against the Marlins in the regular season and then tossed the second post-season no-hitter in major league history in the first postseason appearance of his career. He never pitched in the World Series but posted a postseason ERA of 2.35 in five playoff starts.

Halladay often posted on social media about being an avid pilot. He started flying after he retired from baseball.

• MLB players mourn the sudden death of Cy Young winner Roy Halladay​

Halladay is eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot in 2019. 

Halladay is survived by his wife, Brandy, and two children. 

"We are numb over the very tragic news about Roy Halladay's untimely death. There are no words to describe the sadness that the entire Phillies family is feeling over the loss of one of the most respected human beings to ever play the game," the Phillies said in a statement. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pass along our condolences to Brandy, Ryan and Braden." 

The Blue Jays issued the following statement:

"The Toronto Blue Jays organization is overcome by grief with the tragic loss of one of the franchise's greatest and most respected players, but even better human being. It is impossible to express what he has meant to this franchise, the city and its fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."