Former Minor Leaguer Laurent killed in crash

Former Rockies prospect Chandler Laurent was killed when the car he was driving collided with the back of an 18-wheeler on a Louisiana highway on Wednesday night, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Laurent was 26 years old.

Colorado selected Laurent out of New Orleans' Delgado Community College in the 21st round of the 2009 Draft, and he played for five teams over four seasons, reaching as high as the Class A Advanced California League. He played independent ball in 2013.

In 2010, the outfielder hit 11 home runs over 59 Northwest League games, and that single-season mark ranks third for the Class A Short Season Tri-City Dust Devils. His 44 runs scored with the Dust Devils that season put him in a tie for fourth on the franchise's all-time records list in that category. Over the course of his Minor League career, he batted .257 with 31 home runs and 143 RBIs across 269 games.

The Rockies issued a statement over Twitter:

We're saddened by the death of former #Rockies Minor Leaguer Chandler Laurent. Our deepest condolences go out to his family & friends

- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) October 10, 2014

Louisiana State Police did not believe alcohol was a factor in the accident, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 12 near the town of Covington. The driver of the truck was uninjured, but Laurent died on the scene.