GoFundMe launched for Rio Foster, Angels minor leaguer injured in DUI crash

Minor league outfielder Rio Foster remains in critical condition after a devastating car accident in Richland, Washington.

Details of Rio Foster’s accident

Early on the morning of September 5, a speeding vehicle struck a fence and power pole in Richland, Washington, then rolled over. The accident ejected minor league outfielder Rio Foster from the car.

Authorities later confirmed that alcohol impaired 23-year-old driver Ashante Sanders-Jackson during the crash. Prosecutors have since charged him with three counts of vehicular assault.

Foster, 22, sustained a traumatic brain injury along with multiple skull and facial fractures. He has already undergone brain surgery and is expected to require additional procedures and extensive physical therapy in the coming months. Despite the severity of his injuries, his family remains hopeful for a full recovery.

Promising baseball player

The accident came just hours after Foster was named Northwest League Player of the Month for August, a recognition of his standout performance with the Tri-City Dust Devils, the Angels’ High-A affiliate. With a .267 batting average, .407 on-base percentage, and .439 slugging percentage over 93 games, Foster had earned a coveted spot in the upcoming Arizona Fall League.

GoFundMe campaign created

In response to the tragedy, Foster’s mother, Iris Cleveland, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his medical care and relocation efforts. The fundraiser has garnered widespread attention and generous contributions from the baseball community.

The Dust Devils had canceled that Friday game against the Hillsboro Hops, issuing a statement.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Dust Devils organization are with Rio Foster. He was a passenger in a car accident early this morning and sustained serious injuries”.

As Foster continues to fight for recovery, fans, teammates, and supporters across the league have rallied around him.

For updates and to contribute to Foster’s recovery, visit the official GoFundMe page.