Wander Franco Death: 23-year-old Dominican Republic professional baseball player and shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball Wander Franco has died by suicide. According to a close family source, Franco was found dead from a self-inflicted injury following the ongoing investigations of his alleged sexual relationship with a minor.
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar also known as ‘El Patron’ passed away early Wednesday 5 June 2024 from an apparent suicide. Franco was placed on administrative leave following the investigation. The 23-year-old was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January. According to court documents, Franco was interrogated by prosecutors for his alleged sexual relationship with a minor. The interview took place at the Puerto Plata province prosecutor’s office.
Franco was reported missing after he failed to appear before the prosecutors twice last year. According to court documents, Franco showed up days later with two lawyers and was interviewed for three hours only. After a crucial meeting by the Major League Baseball and MLB Players Association, Franco was placed on administrative leave in August 2023.
Wander Franco Charges/ What Happened To Wander Franco?
Wander Franco was being investigated for his alleged relationship with an underage female. According to sources, multiple posts on his various social media handles suggested that he (Franco) was involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. According to reports, Franco bought a car for the girl’s mother and wired her cash payments in exchange for her consent to the relationship.
In January, prosecutors gathered over 500 pages of evidence against Franco. He was accused of “commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.” Franco was slated to be charged in July (exactly one month before his death.)
According to MLB stranding, Franco was removed from roaster due to his imposed administrative leave. He did not show up for spring training. Prosecutors did not confirm if Franco was restricted from leaving the county due to the ongoing investigation. According to the MLB Players Association, Franco was to be investigated by MLB after the completion of the prosecutor’s investigations.
Franco was in the third year of his eleven years signed a $182 million contract which started in November 2021. MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays has not released an official statement. Wander Franco’s Obituary and funeral arrangements will be released by the family.
