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Report: Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras was legally intoxicated at time of crash

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Media reports from the Dominican Republic this evening indicate that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras had a blood alcohol level of.287 at the time of his fatal car accident on October 26th.

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Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Multiple media sources are reporting this evening that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras was legally intoxicated at the time of his fatal automobile accident in the Dominican Republic on October 26th, 2014. The crash killed the 22-year-old Taveras and his 18-year-old girlfriend Edilia Arvelo.

According to Tessie Sanchez, spokesperson for the Dominican Republic attorney general's office, Taveras had a blood alcohol level of .287 as revealed by the toxicology autopsy report. The legal limit is .05 in the Dominican Republic.

The deadly wreck occurred when Taveras, driving his Chevrolet Camaro at high speed on a wet road, failed to navigate a curve and crashed into a tree.

St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak released the following statement this evening:

"We have seen the media reports regarding Oscar Taveras that have come out this afternoon, but have yet to receive any official notification from the Dominican. Until we have the opportunity to review the official report, we cannot confirm details.

"While we are still working to obtain the facts, it won’t change the fact that this is a terrible tragedy. We have an obligation to use this as an opportunity to educate our players that they must take responsibility for themselves both on and off the field."