Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte announced Monday night that his wife, Noelia, died suddenly of a heart attack. He posted the news on Instagram.
"Today I go through the great pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack," the caption says. "It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time."
MLB Network's Jon Heyman says Noelia recently broke her ankle and was awaiting surgery when she died. Andrew McCutchen, Marte's longtime teammate with the Pirates, wrote "My brother, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers," in a reply to Marte's Instagram post.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Noelia Marte," the D-Backs said in a statement. "Starling and his family are part of the D-backs' family and we will do all we can to support him and their children during this incredibly difficult time."
The Pirates also released a statement:
"The entire Pirates family extend our deepest condolences to Starling Marte and family during this terrible time. Our hearts are truly saddened by this news."
Marte, 31, was traded to the D-Backs in January after spending the first eight seasons with the Pirates. He and Noelia had two children: a son, Starling Jr., and a daughter, Tiana.
