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Diamondbacks scout Johan Maya dies of COVID-19

Diamondbacks scout Johan Maya died of COVID-19 at 40 years old. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Diamondbacks scout Johan Maya died of COVID-19 at 40 years old. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Hours from the start of MLB’s COVID-19 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks announced the death of a member of their staff due to the pandemic.

Scout Johan Maya died of COVID-19 on Thursday. The longtime MLB scout was in the Dominican Republic when he died.

‘A family guy and true baseball man’

“We were devastated today to learn of the passing of our colleague and scout, Johan Maya,” a team statement reads. “Johan was a great person, a family guy and true baseball man who started his career as a professional baseball player and went on to coaching before becoming a scout and joining the D-backs after 15 years in the Astros organization.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Edulig and children, in addition to his family and friends in both the Dominican Republic, where he worked, and in his native Venezuela. His loyal friendship will truly be missed.”

Maya was 40 years old. Prior to becoming a scout, he played in the Houston Astros minor league system from 1999-2000.

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