CHICAGO -- The Cubs were saddened by the news that former big league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was hit by lightning and killed on Sunday in his native Venezuela.

"That's a tragic thing," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who had the right-hander on his staff in Tampa Bay. "He was a nice young man. He was a competitive kid and really good natured and enjoyed putting on the uniform and competing and having fun. It's a shame. I liked him a lot."

Gonzalez, 33, who played for five Major League teams, beginning with the Cubs, was struck by lightning on Sunday night in the western state of Zulia, officials said. He was riding a personal watercraft in Lake Maracaibo at the time, according to Antonio Olmos, a friend who witnessed the accident.

"It was raining, and he got down off his watercraft to grab another one," Olmos told a Venezuelan newspaper. "At that moment, lightning struck him in the neck and broke a gold chain he was wearing."

Oneri Fleita, the Cubs player development director, knew Gonzalez, and was shocked at the news.

"Obviously, your condolences go out to the family," Fleita said Monday. "What a tragic, horrific way to lose a family member."

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he had heard that Gonzalez was on a boat, and pulling in an anchor when hit. One of the Cubs scouts told Fleita he had heard that Gonzalez was on a jet ski.

"The Chicago Cubs are very saddened to learn of Geremi Gonzalez's sudden passing," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "Geremi began his career as a Cub, leading our pitching staff with 11 wins as a rookie in 1997 and, despite an arm injury, helping the club early in the season a year later to an eventual postseason appearance.

"The organization sends its heartfelt condolences to the family," Hendry said.

The Cubs had a moment of silence before Monday's game in honor of Gonzalez.

He signed with the Cubs in 1991, and started his pro career with the Cubs in 1997. He also played with the Tampa Bay Rays and Piniella as well as the Boston Red Sox, the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. He last played in the U.S. in 2007 with the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training but was released before Opening Day. He moved to Japan and pitched in five games last year for the Yomiuri Giants.

He was known as Jeremi Gonzalez until joining the Brewers in 2006 and informing the team of the proper spelling of his first name.