CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs organization and the entire MLB world were plunged into mourning and shock late Tuesday night after head coach Craig Counsell was tragically involved in a severe pedestrian accident in the city. The incident, which occurred while Counsell was out with his family, has cast a dark cloud over the baseball community.
Emergency crews responded quickly to a major intersection in downtown Chicago around 9:30 PM local time. Upon arrival, first responders found a 55-year-old male victim suffering critical injuries. The victim was soon identified by police sources as none other than Cubs head coach, Craig Counsell.
Driver Charged with Reckless Endangerment
According to preliminary reports from the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the incident was caused by a driver who was reportedly distracted by their mobile phone. Witnesses stated the driver failed to stop at a red light, striking Counsell who was crossing the street legally with his family.
- Cause: CPD confirmed that the driver was immediately taken into custody and is facing charges related to distracted driving, reckless endangerment, and failure to yield to a pedestrian.
- Victim Status: Coach Counsell was immediately rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. A hospital spokesperson has confirmed that he remains in critical condition, though no further details regarding the extent of his injuries have been released at this time.
Community Reactions and Support
The news has sent shockwaves through the Cubs fanbase. Counsell, known for his composed demeanor and family-first approach, had been at the helm of the Cubs for two seasons, guiding the team through a pivotal period of rebuilding and contention.
The Cubs organization released a brief statement early this morning expressing their profound grief and urging privacy for the Counsell family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig, his wife, and their children during this unimaginably difficult time,” the statement read. “We ask that the media and the public respect the family’s privacy as they focus on Craig’s recovery.”
The incident serves as a devastating reminder of the dangers of distracted driving, and the immediate focus of the entire baseball world is now fixed on Chicago, awaiting updates on the condition of the beloved coach.
