Former MLB Pitcher Turned Cop Dies In Crash En Route To 9/11 Memorial Event

Anthony Varvaro, a former Major League Baseball pitcher turned Port Authority police officer, died in a car accident en route to a September 11 memorial ceremony held in New York City on Sunday (September 11).

Varvaro, 37, pitched in the majors for six seasons before voluntarily retiring to become a Port Authority police officer in 2016.

The Staten Island native made his debut for the Seattle Mariners in 2010 before spending four seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2011-14) and one with the Boston Red Sox (2015).

"We are deeply saddened on the passing of former Braves pitcher Anthony Varvaro," the Braves tweeted on Sunday.

"He was en route to serve at the World Trade Center Command in commemoration of September 11, 2001 activities when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident," the Braves added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues."

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole and Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton issued a statement to ABC News in response to Varvaro's death on Sunday.

"The entire Port Authority family is heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Officer Anthony Varvaro. Officer Varvaro represented the very best of this agency, and will be remembered for his courage and commitment to service," O'Toole and Cotton said.

"On this solemn occasion as the Port Authority mourns the loss of 84 employees in the attacks on the World Trade Center -- including 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department -- our grief only deepens today with the passing of Officer Varvaro. On behalf of the entire agency, we send our deepest condolences to Officer Varvaro's wife, Kerry, his four children, and his family and friends."