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Former
Atlanta Braves pitcher dies of Eastern equine encephalitis
.c The Associated
Press
08/05/02 21:21
EDT
DUNNELLON, Fla., (AP) - Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike
Payne died after a year long battle with Eastern equine encephalitis. He
was 40.
Payne died Sunday at his home from complications of the
rare virus, contracted from mosquito bites. The brain-swelling disease has
been found in horses and birds throughout Florida, but is rare in
humans.
Payne, a former high school baseball coach, was
hospitalized on Aug. 5, 2001. Officials said he contracted the disease
while working in his yard.
He had been living with his family for seven months, but
was confined to a wheelchair and had lost the ability to
speak.
Payne pitched in three games - starting one - for Atlanta
in 1984. He lost his only decision while posting a 6.36
ERA.
Funeral services are scheduled for
Saturday. |
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