Former Quartz Hill High Catcher J.D. Smith, 18, Killed in Crash

Players and officials at the Bernie Milligan all-star baseball game were shocked when informed of the death of former Quartz Hill High catcher Jonathan “J.D.” Smith, who died in a car accident early Saturday.

“I just saw him a couple days ago,” said Mark Madsen, a pitcher for the Quartz Hill High and Quartz Hill American Legion teams. “To this minute, I still can’t believe that he’s gone.”

A moment of silence was observed for Smith before the Milligan game at Cal State Northridge. Smith played in the game last year after batting .419 his senior year.

“He was a good friend of mine,” said Quartz Hill pitcher Bryan Garcia, who broke the news to players and all-star officials.

According to a California Highway Patrol report, Smith, 18, was driving a car east on Lancaster Road when he lost control on a curve. The car overturned and Smith was ejected. He died at the scene.

Two other passengers were ejected: Jeffery Macoy, 19, suffered moderate injuries and Danny DeGray, 25, suffered major injuries. A third passenger, Michael Mathis, 21, also had minor injuries. No arrests were made, but the report said alcohol was involved.

“That was a big loss,” Quartz Hill Legion Coach Dave Fischenich said. “That was one of the kids I was looking to see play pro ball some day. He was a dedicated kid.”

In 1995, Smith led the Golden League with seven home runs and tied for the lead with 34 runs batted in. He played last season at Antelope Valley College.