Awful, terrible, horrible news broke in the baseball world on Sunday morning – Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident. He was just 24.
The Marlins released a brief statement regarding Fernandez’s passing, also noting that today’s game against the Braves was cancelled.
The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.
Today’s game against the Atlanta Braves has been cancelled.
After failing to defect from Cuba three times, Fernandez finally succeeded in 2008. During his final defection attempt, he rescued his mother from drowning.
ESPN had some more details about the accident itself.
Chief Petty Officer Nyxolyno Cangemi told The Associated Press that a Coast Guard patrol boat spotted an overturned boat at 3:30 a.m. on a jetty near Government Cut.
The bodies were discovered a short time later. Because the boat was on a jetty, the Coast Guard notified Miami-Dade police, which turned the investigation over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a “severe impact” with a jetty, said Lorenzo Veloz of the Fish Commission.
He also announced last week on Instagram that his girlfriend was pregnant.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement.
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the passing of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández: pic.twitter.com/i0AYqg5zEq
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) September 25, 2016
The 24-year old was scheduled to start for the Marlins on Monday against the Mets. In 182 1/2 innings this season, Fernandez had pitched to a 16-8 record, striking out 253, walking 55, and posting a 2.86 ERA.
It’s always terrible when someone passes away at such a young age. But when it’s someone like Fernandez, who had already conquered so many hardships in life, it’s that much more cruel.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and teammates of Fernandez.
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