Former Junior Baseball Player Killed In Tragic Boxing Day Jetski Accident

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Junior Baseball League of Nassau is mourning after longtime league player Jayden Pinder died on Boxing Day following a jet ski accident off West Bay Street, a loss that has sent shockwaves through the baseball fraternity.

Police say shortly before 6 p.m Friday evening, two individuals were riding a jet ski when a wave reportedly caused both riders to fall into the sea.

Both were assisted back to shore, but Pinder later became unresponsive.

He was transported to hospital, where he later died.

Within the baseball community, Jayden Pinder is being remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived.

One of his coaches and the Commissioner of the Junior Baseball League of Nassau, Victor Cartwright, tells us Pinder was an exceptional young man.

Victor Cartwright – Coach, Junior Baseball League of Nassau

“ He was very hard to come by…if he ever made a mistake or if he ever did someone wrong, he was very, very quick to apologize. You know, he never, never held it in, and never held a grudge. Always a sponge for learning, very respectful.”

Cartwright tells us Pinder spent more than a decade in the Junior Baseball League, from T-ball straight through to the senior division, forming lifelong bonds with teammates and coaches.

Cartwright adds that Pinder’s work ethic and sportsmanship set him apart on and off the field.

Victor Cartwright – Coach

“ He called me regularly, and I spoke with him recently, less than two weeks ago. Always call to say hi coach just [calling to let you know] I was thinking about you…you know, I told him I love him, he said he loved me. Always one of a few guys, one of few kids that always called me regularly, so you know, I was really hit hard.”

He also made an impact on those who watched him from a distance. Shane Albury, former Commissioner of the Junior Baseball League of Nassau, says the news has been devastating for the entire baseball family.

Shane Cartwright – Former Commissioner, Jr. Baseball League

“ I never had an opportunity to coach him, but I’ve seen him play. I’ve watched him play, and it was always, you know, as coaches will say, he always did it the right way. You look at players when they don’t even see you looking at them.”

“You see them encouraging their teammates, you see them hustling off the field, hustling them on the field.”

A candle light vigil is set to be held on the weekend on Pinder’s behalf.