Astros minor leaguer Dustin Kellogg, 18, died Tuesday in an auto accident.

Kellogg signed as a 34th-round pick out of Houston-area Caney Creek High in Texas. He pitched six games in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, going 1-1, 4.26 with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings pitched.

"We send our condolences to Dustin's family, friends, coaches and teammates," Astros assistant general manager Bobby Heck said in a statement released by the team. "This is a very sad day for all of us. Dustin was a Texas kid, and he made his intentions very clear at our pre-draft workout that he wanted to pitch for his hometown Houston Astros. We were very happy to make his dream come true when we signed him in July after Mike Burns and Rusty Pendergrass had continued to evaluate him while pitching for his summer team.

"He was a great kid with high energy and a lot of confidence, and performed well for us after signing. This is a huge loss for everyone that knew him."

Astros GM Ed Wade added, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Dustin's passing. Although he had only been an Astros player for a short time, we share the pain of his family. Our prayers go out to Dustin's loved ones."

According to the Montgomery County Police Reporter, Kellogg was driving a pickup truck that crashed into a 18-wheeler, setting the pickup truck on fire. The driver of the 18-wheeler was unharmed.