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Tragedy has struck Montgomery Biscuits pitcher Blake Bivens in an unimaginable way.
By Elizabeth Ward — Written on Sep 01, 2019
Brother-in-law of Montgomery Biscuits pitcher Blake Bivens has been arrested for a triple homicide of athlete’s wife, child, and mother-in-law. Matthew Thomas Bernard, 18, was arrested Tuesday for the senseless murders of Blake Bivens’s mother-in-law Joan Denise Jefferson Bernard, 62; wife Emily Bernard Bivens, 25; and 14-month-old son Cullen Micah Bivens.
In a manhunt that lasted several hours, seven schools were put on lockdown and the manhunt "involved 100 officers, a tank, and an armored vehicle that blanketed the small town near the North Carolina border,” according to the Daily Beast. Police found Bernard less than a mile away from the Bivens residence, fleeing from a wooded area, naked. He was eventually apprehended by police.
Bernard has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. The motive is unknown at this time.
After an unimaginable act, this tragedy has brought the baseball community together from all around the country, keeping Blake Bivens in mind. Several individuals have taken to social media to share their thoughts and prayers with the baseball player.
Read more to see how has this tragedy has brought the baseball community together for Blake Bivens — who is Blake Bivens?
1. Blake Bivens found out about the incident only hours before a doubleheader
Pittsylvania County Sheriff Michael Taylor said, “The pitcher learned of the incident just hours before a scheduled doubleheader Tuesday night in Tennessee.”
According to the Washington Post, the Montgomery Biscuits announced they were canceling the doubleheader “due to a tragic event within the Biscuits family.” The team’s CEO and managing owner, Lou DiBella, released a statement that Bivens had “suffered unimaginable loss.”
2. The baseball community has continued to share an outpour of condolences for Bivens during this difficult time
Many people across the country in the baseball community, including teams such as the Rays and the Biscuits, have expressed their sympathies for Bivens. We're with you, Blake.
3. Current and former baseball players have also shared their sympathies for Bivens
Many teammates have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts and prayers for the baseball player.
4. Bivens's wife was very involved in the baseball community
Emily Bivens was a member of the organization 'Our Baseball Life' which helps connect the families of baseball players. The group said that Emily contributed to many projects and even designed the first item sold in their shop — the "Home Is Wherever I am With you" print. The organization is currently selling this item on their website and 100% of the proceeds will go to Emily’s husband, Blake. The post reads, "We hope this print, designed by our beautiful friend, will be a peaceful reminder of her love for this community."
5. 'Our Baseball Life' created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs and has surpassed its goal
The organization 'Our Baseball Life' created a GoFundMe page for Blake Bivens to help with the funeral expenses for his wife and son. The campaign has raised almost $40,000, surpassing its goal of $1,000. If you are interested in making a donation, you can find the GoFundMe page here.
Elizabeth Ward is a writing student finishing her bachelor’s at the University of Louisville.