Former Major League Baseball prospect Brian Kirby died while working on the roof of a church in Arkansas. He was 43.
Kirby’s death was confirmed by Graves Memorial Baptist Church in Little Rock, where he had been working.
“This morning, a tragic accident occurred at our church building involving an employee of Kirby Heating and Air,” the church wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, April 15.
“He was more than an employee — he was part of our family and our community. Tragically, he lost his life. He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt.”
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the scene and found Kirby unresponsive on the church roof, according to a report obtained by The Christian Post.
A drone was later used to locate his body near two air conditioning units.
“We ask that you please pray for the Brian Kirby family, the Kirby Heating and Air team, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking situation,” the church added. “May God bring comfort and peace in the midst of this sorrow.”
Family members also shared tributes on social media, including his cousin Allison Avra Guerin.
“Our family faced a very unexpected, tragic loss last week,” she wrote on Facebook on Monday, April 20. “We are still in shock and our hearts are broken after receiving the news that our cousin, Brian, was taken from this earth far too soon. He was, undoubtedly, one of the good ones.”
She added, “There are things of this world that I will just never understand. It truly breaks my heart to its core. But I do know the promise of eternity on the other side. And for that, I can only rejoice through the sadness knowing Brian is there celebrating until we meet again soon.”
Kirby is survived by his parents, Curtis and Cindy, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters.
A former athlete, he was drafted into Major League Baseball twice—by the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 and the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in 2001—but spent his professional career in the minor leagues.
Members of the Graves Memorial Baptist Church community also shared condolences in the comments of the church’s post.
“We are all praying for everyone! Especially for Jennifer and the girls,” one person wrote. “This truly is heartbreaking! Electricity is so dangerous. We are so so sorry especially as he was working on our church [family’s] place of worship.”
Another wrote, “Kirby family, my heart is breaking for you all. May the warmth of love and support from family and friends be with you during this unbearable time.”
A celebration of life is scheduled for Brian at Little Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church on Wednesday, April 22.