10-10-2004, 08:13 PM
Quote:A cousin of Mariano Rivera's wife and the cousin's son died Saturday after being electrocuted on the grounds of the New York Yankees closer's home in Panama.
Rivera
Victor Dario Avila, cousin of Clara Rivera, and his 14-year-old son of the same name were electrocuted while cleaning a swimming pool on the grounds of Rivera's mansion.
It was uncertain whether the incident would affect Rivera's availability for the ALCS, which begins Tuesday.
When asked whether the situation would affect the Yankees' roster, GM Brian Cashman said: "It's a personal issue. That's that. We have until 10 a.m. Tuesday to deal with our roster."
Irma Rivera, a cousin of Mariano Rivera's, confirmed the accident in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.
"There is sadness for all sides," Rivera said. "Víctor was a very good man."
Various newspapers in the New York area reported that Rivera and his wife were dealing with a "personal issue" -- an issue they were informed about after the Yankees' 6-5, series-clinching win over the Twins on Saturday.
The Yankees would not comment on the situation or confirm that it involved Rivera. When asked whether he was all right as he left the clubhouse after the game, Rivera said, "Yeah, yeah," and patted a reporter on the shoulder.
"This is a private family matter of one our players, and we're not going to be able to comment," Yankees spokesman Rick Cerrone said.
Irma Rivera told the AP that the boy touched a cable while cleaning the pool. Avila approached his son and tried to help, but he was electrocuted, too. Another person, reportedly a neighbor, also tried to help Avila and his son and was in critical condition.
"This happened like at 5 p.m. [Saturday]. It was something very sad," Irma Rivera added. Irma Rivera also said that Clara Rivera was expected to travel to Panama on Sunday.