In a heartbreaking turn of events that has resonated far beyond the baseball diamond, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla announced the tragic loss of their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, on November 7, 2025.
The couple shared the devastating news via a joint Instagram post, revealing that Sterling passed away on October 26, 2025, just days before the World Series began.
This loss explained Vesia’s abrupt absence from the Dodgers’ roster during their championship run against the Toronto Blue Jays, where the team cited a “deeply personal family matter” without elaborating at the time.
In their emotional message, the Vesias wrote, “Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.”
They accompanied the post with a poignant photo of their hands gently overlapping Sterling’s tiny hand, a symbol of fleeting connection that has moved countless fans worldwide.
The announcement came after weeks of speculation and concern among Dodgers supporters, who had noticed Vesia’s sudden departure ahead of Game 1.
The 29-year-old left-hander, known for his dominant performances in high-leverage situations, had been a key contributor throughout the 2025 season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 appearances.
His postseason stats were equally impressive, going 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in seven outings before the tragedy struck.
Yet, as the Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title on November 1, Vesia remained away, prioritizing family over the glory of the Fall Classic.
The baseball community rallied in extraordinary ways to honor the Vesias during this dark period.
Dodgers relievers etched Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps starting in Game 3—the day after Sterling’s passing—while Toronto Blue Jays bullpen members followed suit in Game 6, a gesture of cross-team solidarity that transcended rivalry.
Kiké Hernández praised the Blue Jays, saying, “They’re trying to win a World Series, but they understand that this is—life is bigger than baseball.”
Fans amplified this support by donating thousands of dollars—often in increments of $51—to children’s hospitals, including Toronto’s SickKids Foundation and Los Angeles’ Children’s Hospital LA, turning grief into tangible acts of kindness.
This spontaneous campaign highlighted the profound empathy within the MLB fanbase, with Blue Jays supporters leading the charge in honor of the Vesias despite facing the Dodgers in the series.
As of November 9, 2025, the latest updates confirm that while the Vesias have not yet launched a formal charity or awareness campaign specifically for stillbirth, the outpouring of donations to pediatric causes has effectively become a grassroots movement in Sterling’s memory.
Many reports and online discussions describe Sterling’s passing as a stillbirth, given the timing and the family’s description, though no official medical cause has been disclosed.
Stillbirth, defined as the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy, affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies in the U.S., often without warning or clear explanation, leaving families shattered.
The Vesias expressed profound gratitude in their post: “Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this time. Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”
They also thanked Dodger Nation, the Blue Jays organization, all baseball fans, and the staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, noting, “Every person we came across was truly so incredible.”
The Dodgers organization responded swiftly, commenting on the post with love and sharing it on their platforms, while teammates like Will Klein dedicated the championship win to Vesia, saying, “We did this all for him.”
Alex and Kayla, who married in January 2024 and announced their pregnancy in April 2025 with joyful posts about “future Vesias,” now navigate an unimaginable void.
Their story has sparked broader conversations about stillbirth awareness, a topic often shrouded in silence despite its prevalence.
Organizations like Count the Kicks and Star Legacy Foundation advocate for prevention through fetal movement monitoring and research, emphasizing that many stillbirths are preventable with better education and care.
While the Vesias have not publicly detailed plans for a dedicated foundation, the fan-led initiatives suggest a potential path forward, much like how other athletes have channeled personal tragedies into advocacy.
For instance, similar losses in sports families have led to campaigns raising millions for bereavement support and research.
Vesia’s absence from the victory parade on November 3 underscored the priority of family over fame, with signs at the event offering condolences amid celebrations.
As the Dodgers picked up his $3.65 million option for 2026 just days after the loss, ensuring his return, the focus remains on healing.
The Vesias’ words—”We love you forever & you’re with us always”—have touched not only Dodgers fans but families worldwide facing similar grief, reminding everyone that some pains transcend sport.
In the wake of this tragedy, the baseball world’s response has been a beacon of humanity, proving that empathy can bridge even the fiercest rivalries.
As November 9 marks the latest chapter in this ongoing story, hopes remain that the Vesias will find strength in the overwhelming support, perhaps one day transforming their pain into a lasting legacy for stillbirth awareness and prevention.
Sterling Sol Vesia’s brief life has already inspired thousands to give generously and reflect deeply, ensuring her memory endures in acts of profound compassion.
