Miami Marlins pitcher and former National League Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning.
The United States Coast Guard announced that Fernandez was one of three males killed in the boating accident.
The U.S. Coast Guard arrived around 3 a.m. to find the 32 foot boat upside down on a jetty off Miami Beach. Two of the victims were found dead under the boat, the other was found dead in the water. None of the deceased victims were wearing life vests, according to ESPN.
Spokesman Lorenzo Veloz of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that he believes speed was involved because of the impact with the jetty. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to have been a factor in the accident, according to ESPN.
The Marlins announced that Sunday’s game against the Braves has been cancelled, according to ESPN.
“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, according to ESPN.
The Miami Dolphins will be holding a moment of silence before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Fernandez had announced one week ago on Instagram that his wife was pregnant.
“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 moved to the United States in 2008 from Cuba. He became a citizen in 2011, according to ESPN.
Fernandez was also two time all star.
