Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez Dies In Boating Accident

Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was killing in an early morning boating accident over the weekend. The pitcher was just 24 years old.

USA Today has revealed grim details on the crash that took the pitcher’s life as well as the lives of two of his friends. WSVN.com has identified the friends as Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Macias.

The crash occured on Government Cut, a Miami Beach jetty that gives boats direct access to the ocean, on a 32-foot SeaVee Center Console fishing vessel named the Kaught Looking.

Fernandez was not driving nor did he own the boat. He died as a result of the impact of the crash and did not drown.

According to USA Today, the boat was traveling at full speed of 55 to 65 mph. It hit the jetty, capsized, and landed upside down on the rocks.

The Coast Guard was called in at 3:15 a.m. While an exact time is not clear on when the crash occurred, it is possible the driver couldn’t see the rocks in the darkness.

It is unclear if anyone was under the influence, but no alcohol or illegal drugs were found on the boat.

TMZ has reported that the autopsies have been performed, but results have yet to be released.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria made a statement, “It is with the deepest sorrow that I, together with my family and the entire Marlins organization, mourn the tragic loss of José. Sadly, the brightest lights are often the ones that extinguish the fastest,” Samson read. “José left us far too soon, but his memory will endure in all of us. At this difficult time, our prayers are with his mother, grandmother, family and friends.” Samson went on to explain how he came to learn of Fernández’s passing, receiving a phone call asking to confirm the athlete’s address to confirm he was a victim in the boating accident off the coast of Miami early Sunday morning. “As you see around you, no words to describe how this organization feels,” Samson said as players and managers wiped away tears. “José was someone who we’ve known since he was a drafted young man. When you talk about a tragedy like this, there are no words that come to mind, there’s no playbook, there’s no words of consolation.”