Former MLB Prospect Brian Kirby Dead After 'Tragic Accident' on Church Roof

Former Major League Baseball prospect Brian Kirby died while working on the roof of a church in Arkansas. He was 43.

Kirby's death was confirmed by Graves Memorial Baptist Church in Little Rock, where Kirby was working.

"This morning, a tragic accident occurred at our church building involving an employee of Kirby Heating and Air," the church posted via Facebook on Wednesday, April 15. "He was more than an employee - he was part of our family and our community. Tragically, he lost his life. He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt."

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the church and found Kirby unresponsive on the roof, according to a police report obtained by The Christian Post.

A drone was used to locate Kirby's body "near two air conditioning units."

"We ask that you please pray for the Brian Kirby family, the Kirby Heating and Air team, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking situation," the church wrote in their statement. "May God bring comfort and peace in the midst of this sorrow."

Members of Kirby's family paid their respects on social media, including his cousin Allison Avra Guerin.

"Our family faced a very unexpected, tragic loss last week," Guerin shared via Facebook on Monday, April 20. "We are still in shock and our hearts are broken after receiving the news that our cousin, Brian, was taken from this earth far too soon. He was, undoubtedly, one of the good ones."

She added, "There are things of this world that I will just never understand. It truly breaks my heart to its core. But, I do know the promise of eternity on the other side. And for that, I can only rejoice through the sadness knowing Brian is there celebrating until we meet again soon."

Brian is survived by his parents, Curtis and Cindy, his wife, Jennifer, and the couple's two daughters.

The former athlete was drafted into the Major Leagues twice - by the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 and the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in 2001 - ultimately spending his entire professional career at the Minor League level.

Members of the Graves Memorial Baptist Church community gave their condolences in the comments section of the church's post about his death.

"We are all praying for everyone! Especially for Jennifer and the girls," one person wrote. "This truly is heartbreaking! Electricity is so dangerous. We are so so sorry especially as he was working on our church [family's] place of worship."

Another wrote, "Kirby family, my heart is breaking for you all. May the warmth of love and support from family and friends be with you during this unbearable time."

A celebration of life will be held for Brian at Little Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church on Wednesday, April 22.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 1:51 PM.