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Baseball prospect Aaron Cox, Mike Trout's brother-in-law, dies at 24

Tom McGurk Josh Friedman
The Daily Journal
Former Millville pitcher Aaron Cox was drafted by the Angels in the 19th round on Wednesday.

Aaron Cox, a former Millville High School standout and Los Angeles Angels farmhand, died Wednesday morning. He was 24.

A cause of death was not announced.

Cox, who is the brother-in-law of MLB star Mike Trout, pitched three years in the Angels organization before he retired on Aug. 6, one day after his birthday. Trout married Jessica Cox, Aaron's sister, last December.

Mike Trout, Jessica and the two families released a statement Wednesday:

Former Millville star Aaron Cox, shown here in 2012, was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance.

“Early this morning our families lost a phenomenal human being. Aaron Cox was a tremendous son, brother, and brother-in-law. He had a deep love for his family, and a passionate dedication and commitment to his friends. As our families grieve together, we will also celebrate the memories, the laughter, and the love we each shared with Aaron in the short time we had him. He will forever be at the forefront in the hearts and minds of the Cox and Trout families. We will rely on the love and strength of God first and foremost during this difficult and challenging time, as well as our dear family and friends. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and our Lord and savior for his precious gift of Aaron Joseph.”

The right-hander pitched in 68 games with a 7-3 record, 3.64 ERA and 12 saves in three years in the Angels minor league system. This season, he went 0-1 with a 4.11 ERA and two saves with the High-A Inland Empire.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Cox was suspended for 50 games last season after testing positive for a banned stimulant, methylphenidate, which is commonly known as Ritalin. He also missed time at the start of the 2017 season when he was struck in the eye by a line drive during spring training.

The Angels released a statement Wednesday morning.

“The Angels Organization is saddened to hear of the passing of Aaron Cox, a member of the Angels family since 2015. We are deeply heartbroken and shocked by this tragic loss. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Aaron will always have a special place in the hearts of those within the organization.”

 

Cox led Millville to the South Jersey Group 4 title as a junior and went 6-0 with an 0.86 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 48 innings as a senior when he wore No. 1 - Trout's old number.

After starring at Division II Gannon University, Cox was selected in the 19th round (585th overall pick) in the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft by the Angels.

Read more about Aaron Cox: