Robert Sadlak, an amazing baseball and softball coach and umpire who was serving as the president of Lake Elsinore Little League, passed away in a tragic accident at the untimely age of 59 on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
According to reports, 59-year-old Robert Sadlak lost his life in a motorcycle and vehicle collision in Lake Elsinore.
The crash took place around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of Riverside and Lehr Drives, as confirmed by Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brad Foster.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Robert, an honorable Little League coach and Lake Elsinore resident, unresponsive in the roadway.
He had been riding a motorcycle at the time of the accident. Officers performed life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived, but despite their continued attempts, Robert was pronounced dead at the scene.
Furthemore, the driver of the other vehicle remained on-site, and investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol as contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Robert Sadlak was an amazing coach, umpire, and one of the longest-serving board members in the Lake Elsinore Little League’s history.
In addition to serving as the president of Lake Elsinore Little League, Robert also umpired and refereed at various competitive levels.
Robert Sadkal also founded and co-owned SAGE Collectibles, a trading and collectible card game company that focused on sports cards with Tom Geideman.
The untimely demise of Robert Sadlak has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Robert Sadlak and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Lake Elsinore Little League took to its official Instagram page to express its sorrow. The post reads:
“It’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Robert Sadlak. Yesterday, the Sadlak family and our entire community experienced an unimaginable loss following a tragic traffic accident in Lake Elsinore.To many, Robert was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a steady hand, and a source of wisdom. He was always willing to listen, advise, and support those around him.His presence will be deeply missed, and his impact will continue to echo through the lives he touched.Please keep the Sadlak family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Instagram
Another added:
“My Friend Robert Sadlak 1st on right side passed away in an automobile accident yesterday. My Prayers go out to the Sadlak Family & Baseball/Softball Communities & all our Blues. Robert was an awesome person. ❤️🙏🙏🙏😞”
Koda The Wonder Dog
Robert Sadlak Is Survived By His Children, Grandchildren, Siblings, and The Entire Family
Robert Joseph Sadlak was not only an exceptional athlete and coach, but also a devoted father to his children and an incredible grandfather.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Jr. “Joey” Sadlak; his daughter, Shelby Lynn; his granddaughter, Kadence; his sister, Nancy Sadlak Thomas; and the entire family.
Robert Sadlak frequently shared pictures of his children and granddaughter on social media, expressing his love and pride for them.
Furthermore, both of his children, Joseph ‘Joey’ Sadlak and Shelby Lynn, are former high school athletes.
Robert’s son, Joey Sadlak, played varsity football, and his daughter, Shelby Sadlak, was a member of the Varsity Water Polo and swimming teams at Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinore, CA.
Joey also played JUDO in his middle school while attending Terra Cotta Middle School.
While not much is known about their professional lives, as they prefer to maintain a low profile, Robert’s son, Joey, on social media, wrote that he worked at Vans.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Robert Sadlak graduated from California State University, San Bernardino, and also attended Servite High School.
- Born on December 29, 1965, Robert was a native of Yorba Linda, California.
- Lake Elsinore Little League has organized a candlelight vigil in loving memory of Robert Sadlak on July 27, 2025, at 7 pm at Swick and Matich Park, Lake Elsinore, CA.
