The Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was killed early Sunday in a boat crash off Miami Beach, according to authorities.
"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández," said the team in a statement circulated via social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with is family at a very difficult time."
The team also indicated that today's game with the Atlanta Braves has been cancelled.
Statement from the Miami Marlins organization: pic.twitter.com/6A4Rv6m2g9— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernández was 24 years old. He was born on July 31, 1992 in Santa Clara, Cuba. He tried to escape the island three times before finally making to the United States when he was 15 years old.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that Fernández was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday. The other two passengers killed have not been identified by authorities yet.At a press conference, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard said Fernández was one of three people killed in the accident when a 32-foot boat crashed into a rocky jetty off Miami Beach.
Coast Guard Captain Megan Dean told reporters a Coast Guard ship on routine patrol noticed the overturned vessel around 3:15 in the morning on Sunday. A rescue effort with divers from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue recovered two bodies from under the boat, and a third from the water nearby. Dean said the Coast Guard has confirmed there are no additional victims.
A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife department, Lorenzo Veloz, told reporters at the press conference there was "no indication of alcohol or any illegal drugs involved," and that "it does appear speed was involved, due to the impact." All three victims, he said, were between 24 and 27 years old, and described the other two victims as personal friends of Fernández.
In an interview with NPR's Rachel Martin on Weekend Edition Sunday, Miami Herald sports reporter Manny Navarro called Fernandez one of the best young pitchers of the game.
"He was one of the most exciting pitchers in the game," Navarro said. "Armed with a fastball close to 100 miles an hour, a devastating curveball that batters couldn't hit. And the thing that people loved so much about José Fernández was how exuberant he was when he pitched, and even when he didn't pitch, he was the kind of teammate who was on edge in his seat in the dugout cheering on his teammates.
"José was the kind of guy who would try and hide from the manager so he wouldn't take him out of the game."
José Fernández was a young pitching phenomenon. The Marlins drafted him in the first round in 2011, when he was still a teenager. His debut season was in 2013, and that year he played so well he was given Major LeagueBaseball's Rookie of the Year award.
"All of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of the Marlins pitcher José Fernández," said Baseball Commissioner, Robert D. Manfred. "He was one of our game's great young starts who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013."
Baseball fans from around the world have taken to social media to share their messages of condolences.
As a baseball fan, it is incredibly sad to hear about Jose Fernandez. He & Tulowitzki had one of my alltime favorite sports interactions pic.twitter.com/ezuhO9n8dN— Dave DiCello (@DaveDiCello) September 25, 2016
Life tip: find something that makes you as happy as Jose Fernandez was for this play. #RestInParadise pic.twitter.com/GdwBQAU4vC— Morgan Bagg (@MorganBagg) September 25, 2016
Other teams also shared their condolences via social media:
We send our our deepest condolences to Jose Fernandez's family and to the Miami Marlins. Rest In Peace.— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts are with Jose Fernandez, his family and friends, the @Marlins organization and their fans today.— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 25, 2016
The Dodgers share in baseball's devastation over the death of José Fernández and offer his family and friends our sincere condolences. pic.twitter.com/dvSzF80FxM— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2016
This is a developing story. This post reflect the most accurate information that we have at the moment. Please check in frequently for more updates.
Our news partner, the Miami Herald, NPR and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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