With a heavy heart, Vladimir Guerrero announced Wednesday that he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic.

Guerrero lost three cousins in a car accident on Sunday. The three men -- Fernando Guerrero, 26, Salvador Carmona, 25, and Henry Guerrero, 23, all on his father's side of the family -- were involved in a one-car accident in which their vehicle rolled over several times.

Guerrero, who lives in the southern coastal town of Don Gregorio, is a hero to some people in the Dominican. He was excited to represent his country in the 16-team international tournament, but recent events changed everything.

Guerrero said that he hopes the Dominican people will understand and respect his decision. Angels teammates expressed their condolences.

If he were to change his mind, Guerrero can be added to the roster in the second or the third round of the tournament.