TORONTO – Julia Budzinski, the 17-year-old daughter of first base coach Mark (Bud) Budzinski, died in a tubing accident in Virginia over the weekend.
Virginia Department of Wildlife spokeswoman Paige Pearson said in a statement that two girls fell from a tube being towed behind a boat on the James River on Saturday.
When the boat operator returned to pull them out of the water, the boat hit a wave, causing it to be pushed over a 17-year-old victim, hitting her with the propeller.
“It was a very happy, fun last day on earth for her,” said Budzinski’s mother Monica, who said she was with her daughter on the boat, at a vigil at Julia’s high school in Virginia Sunday night. “Obviously unfortunately … but it was happy, laughing, having fun and that’s how I’m going to remember her, that’s how everyone should remember her.” She loved life, she loved being outside, sports, everything.
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Pearson said foul play is not suspected. Life jackets were worn and alcohol was not a factor.
Mark Budzinski left the Blue Jays in the third inning of the second game of the team’s doubleheader against the Rays on Saturday after learning of his daughter’s death.
The Blue Jays released a statement saying Budzinski will take some time away from the team to grieve with his family.
There was a moment of silence for Julia ahead of Sunday’s series finale.
“My heart goes out to Bud,” Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said after Sunday’s game. “There are good men and great men. He’s a great guy. He is a special type of person. His family is great. All I can share about what happened is that he left a note for the team. He did this while going through tragedy, and that tells you everything about him.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 4, 2022.
© 2022 The Canadian Press
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