Right-handed pitcher Dustin Kellogg, who was selected by the Astros in the 34th round (1,030th overall) of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, was killed early Tuesday morning as the result of an auto accident on FM 1314 at Old Houston Road.
FOX 26 in Houston first reported the story Tuesday.
According to a Texas Department of Public Safety report, Kellogg died when his pickup truck struck a Wal-Mart 18-wheeler head on.
Kellogg was pronounced dead at 1:12 a.m. CT.
Individuals at the Old Houston Ice House, located near the crash site, could hear the accident take place, a source told Examiner.com.
Kellogg, 18, was a product of Caney Creek High School in Conroe, Texas, and started his career in the Astros' farm system in July.
He was signed by former Astros scout Rusty Pendergrass.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Kellogg posted a 1-1 record with a 4.26 ERA in six relief appearances for the Gulf Coast Astros this season.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Dustin's passing," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "Athough he had only been an Astros player for a short time, we share the pain of his family.
"Our prayers go out to Dustin's loved ones."
Astros assistant general manager/director of scouting Bobby Heck had built a solid relationship with Kellogg heading into the 2011 Draft.
"This is a very sad day for all of us," Heck said. "Dustin was a Texas kid. He made his intentions very clear at our pre-Draft workout that he wanted to pitch for his hometown Astros. We were very happy to make his dream come true when we signed him in July after Mike Burns and Rusty Pendergrass had continued to evaluate him while pitching for his summer team.
"He was a great kid with high energy and a lot of confidence, and performed well for us after signing. This is a huge loss for everyone that knew him."
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