Ex-MLB player Roy Halladay dies in plane crash in Gulf of Mexico

Police confirmed that Halladay was onboard his aircraft that crashed

Police have confirmed that ex-Major League pitcher Roy Halladay, 40, died in a plane crash on Tuesday afternoon in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office announced in a press conference on Tuesday that Halladay was the only person aboard his two-passenger aircraft that was discovered just off the coast of Holiday, Fla. 

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of this amazing and generous individual. Our hearts go out to Roy and his family," the Pasco Sheriff said during the press conference.  

Here is video of the press conference in full: 

Halladay spent parts of 16 seasons in the majors with the Blue Jays (12 years) and Phillies (four). He was 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 2,117 strikeouts in 2,749 1/3 innings. The eight-time All-Star won the Cy Young in both leagues, taking it in 2003 for the Blue Jays and 2010 for the Phillies. He also threw a no-hitter in his first career postseason start in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS vs. the Reds. He also threw the 20th perfect game in regular season history. 

"We are numb over the very tragic news about Roy Halladay's untimely death," the Phillies said via a statement. "There are no words to describe the sadness that the entire Phillies family is feeling over the loss of one of the most respected human beings to ever play the game. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pass along our condolences to Brandy, Ryan and Braden."  

After having retired following the 2013 season, Halladay will first be on the ballot for the 2019 Hall of Fame class. We made the case that he should make it upon his retirement. 

He was also nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award several times thanks to his work with underprivileged children. He and his wife, Brandy, had two children of their own as well. 

Here's what we know so far:

• A small plane was reported to have crashed at around noon local time just off the coast of Pasco County, Florida, which is on Florida's Gulf Coast just north of Tampa. 
• The Pasco Sheriff's Department deployed a water response team and marine unit, and the plane was reported to match Roy Halladay's registration.
• At 4:15 p.m., the Pasco Sheriff's department confirmed in a press conference that Halladay died in the crash.
• The plane was an Icon A5, a two-person, single-engine amphibian plane that, according to social media posts, Halladay had just recently purchased. 
• Halladay's plane went down into the water about a quarter mile west of Ben Pilot Point in New Port Richey, Florida. Tampa Air Traffic Control received no mayday call.
• The 911 call came in at 12:06 p.m. ET.
• Halladay was alone on board the plane and died in the crash. 
• The U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Pasco County Fire and Rescue also assisted with the recovery efforts. 
• The National Transportation Safety Board will now take over the investigation of the crash.