Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez died early Sunday morning in a boating accident off Miami Beach. Fernandez was one of three men killed in the accident, officials said. The electric right-hander was 24 years old.
The Marlins canceled their Sunday afternoon home game against the Atlanta Braves. Each game will hold a moment of silence in Fernandez’s honor.
“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 released statement.
Fernandez defected from Cuba as a teenager, and his harrowing escape included saving his mother from drowning. He was drafted 14th overall by Miami in the 2011 Draft.
Several current and former players took to social media to extend their condolences to Fernandez’s family. Along with a statement released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yasiel Puig and multiple teammates were among those to share heartfelt messages:
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
Absolutely sick to my stomach right now. RIP Jose. Thinking and praying for you and your loved ones!
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) September 25, 2016
Hermano, wherever you are, you know how much I loved you. Sin palabras. My heart is with the families. pic.twitter.com/JGVSRYXlMf
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) September 25, 2016
In shock waking up to that terrible news so sad..prayers go out to his family,friends and teammates! RIP Jose Fernandez
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) September 25, 2016
Heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. May god watch over your family and see them through this tragedy! pic.twitter.com/6wkn5hpBw0
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) September 25, 2016
Today is a very sad day. Woke up to the news of the passing of Jose Fernandez. Thoughts & prayers go out to his family and those involved.
— Scott Kazmir (@scottkazmir19) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez personified joy and enthusiasm. Such a tragic loss.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) September 25, 2016
We were all jealous of his talent but deep down I think we most envied the fun he had while doing something so difficult.
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) September 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Jose's family, and the Marlins family. A fierce competitor, and jubilant teammate. Rest in peace brother.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) September 25, 2016
I'm proud to have called Jose Fernandez my friend and teammate. He always made me smile. I will miss him and my heart breaks for his family
— Grant Dayton (@GrantDayton) September 25, 2016
My prayers go out to the Fernandez family. RIP Jose. You will be dearly missed.
— Adrián González (@Adrian_ElTitan) September 25, 2016
Deeply saddened by the news of Jose Fernandez and friends. Thoughts and prayers to the families.
— Josh Reddick (@RealJoshReddick) September 25, 2016
Fernandez was a career 38-17 with a 2.58 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 471.1 innings (76 starts).
