Cardinals Reliever Josh Hancock Killed in Car Wreck

Cardinals reliever Josh Hancock, who helped the Cardinals bullpen win St. Louis' wild World Series last year, was killed in an auto accident on St. Louis highway 60/40 early this morning. Hancock was 29.

So far, the only updates we've found list no cause for the accident, but the St. Louis Police Department will address the media at 3:30, and a cause is likely to be given then. UPDATE: ESPN's AP story has this update:

A vehicle driven by the 29-year-old Hancock apparently struck a truck that was assisting a disabled vehicle, team spokesman Brian Bartow said. The Cardinals and police were expected to make a statement later in the day at Busch Stadium.

UPDATE: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has more details about the crash:

Hancock's Ford Explorer slammed into the rear of a tow truck that was parked in the far left westbound lane shortly after 12:30 a.m. The tow truck driver, who was seated in the vehicle at the time, was unhurt.

He told police that his emergency lights were on, and that he honked his horn when he saw the Explorer approaching in his rear view mirror, but that the Explorer didn't slow down or swerve to avoid the collision.

At the time of the accident, the tow truck driver was assisting a motorist from an earlier accident.

Hancock was 3-3 in 62 games last season for the Cardinals and pitched in three postseason games. In eight games this year, he was 0-1 with a 3.55 ERA.

Because of the tragic crash, tonight's 7:05 game between the Cardinals and the Cubs is postponed. Here's hoping the Cardinals' players, coaches, and fans can find the proper measure of healing today as they struggle with the loss of a member of the Cardinals family. Rest in peace, Josh.