Tony Reyes
Professional bowler Tony Reyes was killed in a car accident early Friday near San Jose, Calif. Professional Bowling Association

Former Professional Bowlers Association Tour title winner Tony Reyes was killed in a car accident early Friday in Redwood City, Calif.

Reyes, 38, was driving on U.S. Highway 101 when his car hit a sound wall, according to Palo Alto Online. After the crash, Reyes stepped out of his wrecked Chevrolet Trailblazer and was struck by an oncoming Jeep Liberty.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the Jeep was driven by San Jose resident Romero Tutop, 31. The crash is under investigation.

Reyes began to make a name for himself on the PBA circuit in 1997. His peak moment on the tour came when he rolled the 18th nationally televised 300 game in its history in the semifinals of the 2006 Motor City Classic against Parker Bohn III. The kegler then went on to win his first, last, and only tour title with a 255-238 win over Wes Malott.

"It is a sad day for the PBA and bowling," PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said in a statement on the PBA website. "You hear descriptions about people all the time as being 'great guys.' Well, in Tony Reyes' case, that is an understatement. No one who ever met Tony Reyes didn't like Tony Reyes. He was a great bowler, a unique talent with a gift of spreading the virtues of the game, a wonderful friend, and the sadness we feel is indescribable. Our thoughts are with the Reyes family."

Reyes also won eight regional PBA titles, owned a pro shop, and often worked as an instructor of aspiring bowlers. He is survived by his wife Nicole and daughter Gianna, 1.

“Tony Reyes was an amazing person,” PBA Deputy Commissioner Kirk von Krueger said. “When he walked into a room, you just couldn’t help but smile; he simply made you feel good. Tony’s ‘100-watt’ smile was a window into the man inside, and it told you everything you needed to know about him."