Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, one of baseball’s brightest stars, was killed early Sunday in a boating accident, Florida authorities said.
Spokesman Lorenzo Veloz of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a news conference Sunday that Fernandez, 24, was one of three men killed in the accident.
Coast Guard personnel out on patrol noticed the vessel upside down on the north end of a rocky jetty shortly after 3:15 a.m., Veloz said at a news conference Sunday morning in Miami. Divers recovered two of the bodies under the boat and the third victim was found on the rocks. The names of the two other victims — also in their 20s — are being withheld until relatives could be notified. The men were personal friends of C, Veloz said.
Speed is suspected to be a factor in the accident because of the impact with the jetty, Veloz said. There was no evidence of alcohol or illegal drug use.
The Marlins announced that Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.
“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,” the team said in a statement.
The Tampa Bay Rays announced they were canceling a scheduled pregame ceremony to recognize retiring Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, per his wishes, after Sunday’s tragedy.
The Miami Dolphins plan to hold a moment of silence for Fernandez before their game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, a team official told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Fernandez had announced on Instagram last week that his girlfriend is pregnant.
I’m so glad you came into my life. I’m ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst
“All of Baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández,” Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He was one of our game’s great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life.”
Fernandez joins a long list of active baseball players to die in accidents. Cleveland Indians pitchers Tim Crews, 31 and Steve Olin, 27, were killed in a boating accident in Clermont, Florida, on March 22, 1993. Indians pitcher Bobby Ojeda was also on the boat and lost four pints of blood, but survived.
Ran into this Cuban Raft! Brings back crazy memories. I want to wish my Mom a Happy Fathers Day! She is my everything! #JDF16 #jscrew
