Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a watercraft accident, the organization revealed Sunday morning, according to Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald.
Andy Slater of 940 AM WINZ claimed that Fernandez’s boat hit rocks at full speed and sailed roughly 30 feet in the air before landing upside down. He stated that one person was discovered in the water, while the other two were discovered beneath the boat. Fernandez was 24.
On Monday, authorities disclosed, via Baseball Tonight, that the boat was registered to Fernandez and that the other victims were Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Jesus Macias. Baseball Tonight reports that the accident inquiry is still ongoing.
Fernandez will have a public viewing on Wednesday, followed by a private funeral ceremony on Thursday, according to an ESPN.com news story from Tuesday.
“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez,” the club said in a statement on Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”
Marlins manager Don Mattingly also stated his feelings at a news conference, via SportsCenter Major League Baseball, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and MLBPA executive director Tony Clark also issued remarks.
Marlins Manager Don Mattingly tearfully remembers the life and legacy of José Fernández. pic.twitter.com/BeuYgxHPHV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 25, 2016
Sunday’s game between the Marlins and Atlanta Braves was canceled, but the team will play Monday against the New York Mets, team president David Samson told reporters. The Miami Dolphins will hold a moment of silence in honor of Fernandez before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan in Atlanta and Tim Healey of the Sun Sentinel passed along photos of the scene at Marlins Park, while Jon Weisman of the Dodgers showed Marlins shortstop Dee Gordon paying tribute to his teammate:
Teammate Giancarlo Stanton turned to Instagram to voice his feelings:
Fernandez was a dominating pitcher and rising star.
“You recognize how precious life is,” Samson told MLB Network Radio. “And how taking things for granted is a fool man’s game.”
“When I think about Jose, I see such a little boy,” Mattingly told reporters. “The way he played, there was just joy with him.”
“We’re not robots,” Marlins infielder Martin Prado told reporters. “We’re humans. He made an impact on everyone. I understand we have to play games. But there’s a lot of pain.”
“Jose Fernandez is one of the most genuine guys I’ve ever played with,” former Marlins starter Dan Haren tweeted. “He loved life,
He loved baseball and will be greatly missed.”
Eric Hosmer, the Kansas City Royals’ first baseman, tweeted, “Absolutely crushed hearing the news about Jose.” Brought so much energy and enthusiasm to life! “You will be missed, Papo. RIP.”
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout also expressed his sympathy.
Fernandez defected from Cuba at the age of 15. He had previously been captured attempting to flee the country and served time in a Cuban prison. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of baseball’s most personable, talented, and popular players.
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