Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit-and-run car accident early this morning in Fullerton, Calif., hours after pitching six shutout innings against the Oakland A's in the best performance of his young career. He was 22.

Three people were killed in the crash and another person is in critical condition. News of Adenhart's death was first reported by the website TMZ. A family member confirmed Adenhart's death to the website Your4State.com.

Authorities said the three-vehicle accident was cause when a driver in a red minivan ran a red light, sending Adenhart's silver Mitsubishi careening into a light pole. The driver of the van fled the scene on foot according to the LA Times, but was later arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run.

According to reports, two of the occupants in Adenhart's car were declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Adenhart died just after 6 a.m. PST this morning en route to the hospital. A passenger from the van was hospitalized with minor injuries. No one from the third vehicle was reported to have suffered injuries.

Adenhart was rated as the top prospect in the Angels' organization entering the season, according to Baseball America. He made three starts for the Angels last year, posting a 9.00 ERA, but earned a spot in the rotation this spring in part because of injuries to John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar.