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Blake Bivens Posts First Social Media Message Since Horrific Family Tragedy in Virginia

By Scott Rogust

Blake Bivens posts social media message after wife, son, and mother-in-law were murdered.
Blake Bivens posts social media message after wife, son, and mother-in-law were murdered. /

Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher Blake Bivens endured unspeakable tragedy earlier this week, as his wife, 14-month son, and mother-in-law were killed in rural Virginia.

While anyone in the world would have the profoundest difficulty finding the words to comment on this type of devastation, Bivens released his first public statement through his personal Instagram account. In his statement, he posted a photo of wife Emily, child Cullen, and mother-in-law Joan Bernard.

View this post on Instagram

Two days ago my heart was turned to ash. My life as I knew it is destroyed. The pain my family and I feel is unbearable and cannot be put into words. I shake and tremble at the thought of our future without them. Emily, my sweetheart, you are the best wife and mother this world has ever seen. You made me into the man I am today and you loved me with all of my flaws. You brought our precious baby boy into this world and made our family complete. Your love and kindness changed countless lives, including mine. My sweet little boy, dada loves you so much! I can’t breathe without you here. I finally understood what love was when you were born and I would have done anything for you. You have changed my life forever, you are my reason why. I long to hold the both of you again in heaven. I’m so glad you are with all your Great-grandmothers now, I know they are eating you up. This earth did not deserve either of you; you were just too wonderful to comprehend. Joan you were the best mother-in-law anyone could ask for. You loved your family more than anyone I’ve ever seen. You raised the most wonderful girl in the world. I’m so glad y’all are still together. You were the best Nana this world has ever seen and I will never forget you. Skip you are a wonderful father and grandfather. We will get through this together as a family. We will not let the devil win! Thank you God for giving me the most wonderful family in the world! I’ve been blessed beyond belief. Thank you to all my family and friends who have reached out to me during this time of sorrow. Thank you @raysbaseball @biscuitbaseball for your support through everything. I am comforted by all the messages and well wishes. I’m not sure what is next for me, but I do know God has a plan even though I can’t see it.

A post shared by Blake Bivens (@blakebbins) on

"Two days ago my heart was turned to ash. My life as I knew it is destroyed," writes Bivens. "The pain my family and I feel is unbearable and cannot be put into words. I shake and tremble at the thought of our future without them.

Speaking of his wife and high school sweetheart, Bivens mentions that Emily made him the man he is today and looked past his flaws. More importantly, she brought their son, Cullen, into the world. Bivens stresses he would have done anything for him.

Bivens continues by calling Joan the best mother and "Nana" in the world, while expressing solidarity with his father-in-law, Skip, as they fight through this nightmare.

The 24-year-old pitcher thanked the Rays organization, the Double- A Montgomery Biscuits, and his teammates for their support while dealing with such heartbreak.

Bivens' brother-in-law, Matthew Thomas Bernard, was arrested and charged with three-counts of murder, with Pittsylvania County law enforement also placing him on suicide watch.

It's hard to come up with words during something so tragic, but Blake Bivens showed his heart and strength by posting a touching tribute to his wife, son, and mother-in-law.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bivens and his entire family during this difficult time.