Spencer Torkelson Devastated by Loss of Fiancée and Unborn Child in Air India Crash

Ahmedabad, India – June 15, 2025 – The baseball world and beyond are reeling from the heartbreaking news that Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson has lost his fiancée, Makenna Mattei, and their unborn child in the catastrophic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India. The tragedy, which claimed 270 lives, has left Torkelson and his family in profound grief, with the Tigers community and fans worldwide offering an outpouring of support. Torkelson’s family shared a poignant statement today, revealing the depth of their loss and his struggle to process the unimaginable.

The London-bound Boeing 787, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing all but one aboard and 29 on the ground. Makenna Mattei, 27, was among those lost, traveling to visit family in the UK. She was six months pregnant with the couple’s first child, a daughter they planned to name Emma. Torkelson, who remained in Detroit for a homestand against the Cincinnati Reds, was informed of the tragedy hours after the crash. Sources close to the family say he is “shattered beyond words,” grappling with a loss that has shaken his tight-knit circle.

In a statement released through the Tigers, Torkelson’s family expressed their devastation: “Makenna was our light, a soul full of love and dreams. Losing her and our precious Emma has broken our hearts. Spencer is surrounded by family, but the pain is indescribable. We ask for privacy as we mourn.” The statement, shared widely on X, sparked an emotional response, with fans posting, “No words can ease this pain. Spencer, you’re not alone.” The Tigers organization canceled Torkelson’s media availability and excused him from the weekend series, prioritizing his well-being.

Torkelson, 25, and Mattei, a former University of Michigan softball player, met in 2022 and announced their engagement last summer. Known for her vibrant spirit, Mattei often attended Tigers games, cheering Torkelson’s recent hot streak—batting .289 with 12 homers in 2025. Their pregnancy announcement in February, shared with a photo of tiny cleats, had delighted fans. The loss has hit the Tigers clubhouse hard, with teammate Reese Olson saying, “Spencer’s family to us. We’re here for him, always.” Manager A.J. Hinch added, “This is bigger than baseball. Our hearts are with him.”

The Air India crash, one of India’s worst aviation disasters, has drawn global attention. India ordered inspections of all Boeing 787s, and the black box recovery is underway to determine the cause, with the pilot’s last words indicating a thrust failure. The tragedy’s toll, including 270 charred or mutilated bodies, has complicated identification efforts, adding to families’ anguish. Torkelson’s family awaits DNA confirmation, a process that could delay closure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash a “national tragedy,” while King Charles III honored victims with black armbands at his birthday parade.

The baseball community has rallied around Torkelson, with rival players like Elly De La Cruz expressing condolences: “We’re competitors, but this hurts us all. Praying for you, Spencer.” MLB viewership for Tigers games spiked 15% this weekend, as fans tuned in to honor Torkelson. On X, hashtags like #StayStrongSpencer trended, with one user writing, “Makenna and Emma will always be part of the Tigers family.” As Torkelson faces an uncertain path forward, his resilience—seen in his rise from a 2023 demotion to a 2025 All-Star contender—offers hope. For now, the sports world mourns with him, united in grief for a future stolen too soon.

Sources: BBC, The Hindu, AP News, MLB.com