Stunning news dropped late Monday night from newly acquired Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte announcing that his wife, Noelia, died suddenly of a heart attack. He posted the news via Twitter with a photo of the two at the Grand Canyon.
“Today I go through the great pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack,” the caption says. “It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.”
Jon Heyman of MLB Network followed up the news by stating that Noelia recently broke her ankle and was awaiting surgery when she died. Longtime Pirates teammate Andrew McCutchen was one of the first to reach out, stating: “My brother, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers,” in a reply to Marte’s Instagram post.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Noelia Marte,” the Diamondbacks said in a statement. “Starling and his family are part of the D-backs’ family and we will do all we can to support him and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Pirates, whom Marte played for from 2012-2019, also released a statement:
“The entire Pirates family extend our deepest condolences to Starling Marte and family during this terrible time. Our hearts are truly saddened by this news.”
Marte, 31, was traded to the D-Backs in January. He and Noelia had two children: a son, Starling Jr., and a daughter, Tiana. We send all our condolences out to him and his family at this time.
