Bad news never comes announced. It just creeps in when it is least expected. Take the case of Gabrielle Dawn Schoeneweis, wife of Diamondbacks pitcher Scott Schoeneweis, whose inexplicable sudden death not only sent shock-waves in the sporting community but also resulted in a tide of sympathy for the 35 year-old player.

According to reports, the Sheriff’s deputies rushed to the family’s home in Fountain Hills, Arizona, in response to a call made by Gabrielle’s 14 year-old daughter. Upon arrival, they found 39 year-old Gabrielle lying unconscious on the floor of the master bedroom of their suburban residence. Attempts to revive her proved futile. The cause of death is yet to be determined. So, while the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office has confirmed the news, the cause of death remains unspecified. The couple had been married for 10 years and have three children together, and a daughter from Gabrielle’s previous marriage. For Scott, who has had more than his share of trials and tribulations, having survived testicular cancer, this no doubt comes as a terrible shock. He had come to Arizona as a part of a December deal with the Metz. He was coming back to Phoenix on Wednesday night.

The sporting community, and the Diamondbacks management in particular, have been very supportive in this difficult hour, rallying behind Scott and expressing solidarity. Diamondbacks general Josh Byrnes stated that, ” At this point, anything we can do to support Scott and his family, will be our focus”. Meanwhile, according to team manager A.J Hinch, the bereaved pitcher has been extremely traumatized and has taken the news “as expected, very hard.”