Julia Budzinski, daughter of Blue Jays coach, died in tubing accident: U.S. Police

Authorities in Virginia say the 17-year-old daughter of Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski died in a tubing accident on the James River.

The Blue Jays announced Sunday that the first base coach would be away from the team after the passing of his eldest daughter Julia Budzinski, a student at Glen Allen High School in Henrico County.

In an update, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources confirmed that a 17-year-old girl was killed after falling off an inflatable tube.

The boat pulling the tube turned around to get the girl, and authorities say the boat’s propeller struck her. Budzinski was one of two teenagers being pulled behind the boat at the time of the incident.

“It was a very happy, fun… last day on Earth for her,” Julia Budzinski’s mom, Monica Budzinski, said at a vigil held on Sunday.

“Sadly, obviously, until the end. But it was a happy, laughing, having a good time… and that’s how I remember [Julia].”

Investigators said foul play or alcohol was not considered a factor.

“She just loved life. She loved being outside, sports, everything,” Monica Budzinski said at the vigil.

Blue Jays hold a moment of silence 

Before Sunday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Blue Jays held a moment of silence for Julia Budzinski.

The Blue Jays and general manager Ross Atkins issued a statement saying the organization feels the “devastating loss.”

“I have known Bud for more than 25 years and have always admired his commitment as a dad and husband first,” Atkins said. “He is loved and well-respected by our entire clubhouse and holds a special place in all our hearts.”

The Blue Jays organization added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, Monica, and their children, Josh and Lily, at this time.”

Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Budzinski left during the third inning of the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Blue Jays informed via a statement that he was “dealing with a personal matter” and was replaced by bullpen catcher Luis Hurtado.

“It’s really tough,” Blue Jays pitcher Ross Stripling said. “It’s not a situation that I bet any of us have ever been in where someone so close to home has such a tragic loss. It hits everyone a little differently, especially those of us with children. It definitely weighed on us… He was heavy on everyone’s hearts today.”

Budzinski joined the Blue Jays in 2018 after working with Cleveland’s organization.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo echoed the organization’s statement, saying his heart is with “Bud.”

“There are good men and great men,” Montoyo said after Sunday’s game.

“He’s a great man. You’d ache for anybody, but he’s a special kind of person. Brave. The only thing I can share about what happened: even before he left, he wrote a note for me to read to the team while going through that tragedy. That tells you everything about Mark Budzinski.”

With files from Sportsnet staff