The Thrillville Thrillbillies made the tragic announcement of their catcher Ashton Smith’s sudden passing on Monday, July 24, 2023.
In memory of him, the scheduled game against the Alton River Dragons on Monday night was canceled.
Ashton Smith, hailing from Du Quoin, Illinois, will be remembered by his teammates as a cherished and esteemed team member and good friend.
He served as both the catcher and a leader for the ballclub.
The Thrillville Thrillbillies, a professional baseball team based in Marion, Illinois, is currently competing in the 2023 season of the Prospect League.
Previously, they were part of the Midwestern Division of the independent Frontier League. Rent One Park has been their home stadium since 2007.
Ashton Smith Obituary & Cause Of Death
Thrillville Thrillbillies shared the news of Ashton Smith’s passing on their official Facebook page, expressing their sorrow at the loss.
The baseball player is survived by his parents, Lonnie Smith (birthday: November 14) and Karley Weller (birthday: July 13), who raised him in Du Quoin, Illinois.
In addition, he has two sisters, Chloe and Kylie, a godmother, Michele Klein, and a stepfather, Derek Sims.
On December 31, 2018, his mother posted on her Facebook page, “Prayers for my son, please. Headed to ICU now.”
After that, on January 1, 2019, she updated her friends on his condition and wrote,
“As of right now Ashton is stable and finally awake after many long hours. The doctor did say there is some slight bleeding and swelling of the brain from the accident but we still have no results yet from EEG and the cause of the seizures. I want to thank you all for your prayers, those who came to visit Ashton, all the gifts and phone calls we received. We are blessed will all the love and support we have had from everyone and hope that we can get some answers soon. Please continue your prayers for him!
However, he looked healthy and well just a few months ago before his passing while he was with his family at his graduation.
So, we cannot confirm his cause of death until his family officially releases a statement.
But one thing is for sure, Ashton was a dear son, friend, and a better player who will be dearly missed.
Prayers and condolences to the family. May the departed soul rest in peace.
