NEW YORK -- Donald M. Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, this evening issued the following statement upon learning of the tragic death of New York Yankees pitcher, Cory Lidle.

“We were very shocked and saddened to learn of the fatal plane crash involving Cory Lidle, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Cory’s family and friends, and to the families and friends of others killed or injured in this terrible accident.”