The baseball community is reeling after former pro prospect Brian Kirby died in a freak accident that unfolded high above an Arkansas church roof — a scene authorities reportedly had to locate using a drone.
Kirby, 46, was working as an HVAC technician at Graves Memorial Baptist Church in North Little Rock when something went horribly wrong last Wednesday morning. According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene around 11:20 a.m. after Kirby was found unresponsive on top of the building.
In a chilling twist, officials reportedly used a drone to pinpoint his body, which was discovered near two air conditioning units perched on the roof. Exactly what caused his death hasn’t been confirmed, leaving lingering questions around the tragic incident.
The church quickly shut down services following the devastating discovery, calling the loss “heartbreaking” in an emotional statement shared online.
“He was more than an employee — he was part of our family and our community,” the church said. “He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt.”
Before his life took a different path, Kirby once had big-league dreams. He was drafted twice — first by the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 and later by the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians) in 2001. While he never made it to MLB, he carved out a professional career in the minors and independent leagues from 2001 to 2005.
Off the field, Kirby was known as a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, their daughters Jordan and Brantley, and his parents.
“Brian was a devoted husband and father,” his obituary reads. “He married Jennifer on Valentine’s Day in 2008, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.”
Loved ones gathered this week to celebrate his life — but the shocking circumstances surrounding his death continue to haunt those who knew him, both on and off the field.
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