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Chris Gradoville, the Creighton University baseball administrator and ex-minor leaguer, was shot and killed this week in Omaha. Gradoville, who also played college baseball at the university from 2004-07, was just 37 years old.
According to TMZ Sports, Gradoville showed up to make a repair at a rental home that was recently sold when he was shot multiple times outside and found dead in the yard.
“Having Chris as a member of our staff over the last 18 months was tremendous because he was a such a great man and a great teammate,” Creighton baseball coach Ed Servais said in a statement.
“Whether you were a player, teammate or fellow staff member that needed a hand, Chris was one of the first guys to step forward.”
The university added, “The Creighton community is absolutely devastated by the death of Chris Gradoville. Chris represented the very best of what it meant to be a Bluejay. He was an alumnus, former standout baseball player, and the volunteer director of baseball operations.”
43-year-old Ladell Thornton was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Thornton is believed to have been renting the home.
Our deepest condolences go out to Gradoville’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
