Angels minor-leaguer turned deputy killed in car accident

San Bernardino County Deputy Nicholas O’Loughlin, 28, was killed in an off-duty car accident with an alleged drunk driver on February 17 in Chino, Calif. His car was struck by another vehicle driven by Yijie Mao, 26, according to KTLA News. Mao was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, according to police. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. O’Loughlin, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was a former catcher in the Los Angeles Angels’ farm system.

O’Loughlin was born on April 2, 1990 in Upland, Calif. He was a three-time letterwinner in baseball at Upland High School and graduated in 2008 as a scholar athlete, according to his bio at Cal Poly Pomona. He played two years at Fullerton College and one year at Cal State Fullerton, and then he transferred to California Polytechnic State University in Pomona. He batted .243 in his Senior year with the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. His fielding percentage behind the plate was an outstanding .996, too.

O’Loughlin signed with the Angels and played 10 games for the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League. He went 3-for-28 with a double, 3 runs scored and an RBI in his time there.

Many of O’Loughlin’s friends and former teammates have written about him on social media. His 66ers manager Denny Hocking called him a “tireless worker who pushed himself for family/friends/teammates.”

Saddened by the news of a former player of mine. Nick came to us late in year & was loved by all. He was a tireless worker who pushed himself for family/friends/teammates. Still remember the smile on his face when I said he was starting b/c his dad was going to be @ game. RIP son https://t.co/GW0gHIqRo8

— Denny Hocking (@bigleagueswings) February 17, 2019

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