Former MLB Star Found Dead After Being Suspected of Killing Ex-Girlfriend

MLB star Charles Haeger was found dead Saturday, just one day after the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend Danielle Breed.

Haeger was found around 4 pm with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The body of the former baseball player was discovered along a trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona; police said Saturday night.

According to ESPN, prior to his untimely death, Haeger was suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend, Breed.

On Friday, Scottsdale officers responded to reports of shots fired at a Phoenix home. “When officers arrived at the residence, witness information and evidence at the scene indicated that a possible suspect might be present,” a statement, obtained by E! News, read.

After hearing “multiple gunshots,” Breed’s male roommate returned to the home and witnessed Haeger leaving Breed’s bedroom with a gun. “Haeger then pointed the handgun at the roommate,” according to a police report. “The roommate quickly escaped out of the back of the residence, and he was able to get a neighbor to call 9-1-1.”

Following Breed’s death, officials sought after Haeger. On Saturday afternoon, his car was discovered near Flagstaff in northern Arizona, and a few hours later, he was found dead.

“This was a domestic violence situation,” Scottsdale police said in a statement Saturday. “The suspect was located in Northern Arizona this afternoon and took his own life.”

After news surfaced of Breed’s death, the Chicago Cubs, Haeger’s former employer, released a statement about the 34-year—old victim.

“First, we would like to express our condolences to the family of Danielle Breed,” Cubs vice president of communications, Julian Green, said in a statement to The Athletic. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

“Charles Haeger was hired by the Chicago Cubs organization as a minor league pitching coach in November 2019. Haeger initially attended Spring Training activities, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic which suspended operations and forced the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season, his role and team interactions have been limited,” the statement continued. “Given this is an active investigation, we are assisting the Scottsdale Police Department and will not make any further comment.”

Haeger also played for the Chicago White Sox, the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Seattle Mariners, and the Boston Red Sox. But no other team has released a statement, as of yet.