Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez killed in boating accident

[DFighter]

(CNN)Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, one of baseball's brightest stars, was killed early Sunday in a boating accident, Florida authorities said

Fernández, who was 24, and two other men were found dead after their 32-foot boat was discovered crashed near Miami Beach, said Fish and Wildlife Commission public information officer Lorenzo Veloz.

The bodies were found by Coast Guard personnel about 3:15 a.m., Veloz said, adding that names of the other two men, who were also in their 20s, were being withheld until relatives were notified.

The Miami team announced Fernández's death in a statement: "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 Marlins' game against the Atlanta Braves Sunday was canceled as a result of the news.

Fernández was born in Cuba and defected to the United States as a 15-year-old in 2008.

Drafted by the Marlins in 2011, he went on to become the franchise's star pitcher, named National League Rookie of the Year 2013 and a two-time All-Star.

Baseball world stunned

News of his death sent shock waves through the baseball community, with players and fans alike taking to social media to express their grief.

"We are stunned and devastated," Major League Baseball said in a statement.

"I've never met anyone who extracted more joy, more passion out of what he did than José Fernández," baseball analyst Buster Olney said on ESPN. "When you watched him pitch, he loved it so much. He had so much emotion."

"He's sort of the American dream for the Cuban baseball player," Dan Le Batard, co-host of ESPN's "Highly Questionable," said. "This kid is a symbol for Cuban(-American) life and the things that can be accomplished in this country."

Marcus Stroman, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, tweeted: "Sick to my stomach. Can't believe this. #RIPJoseFernandez."

Former MLB pitcher Dan Haren tweeted: "Jose Fernandez is one of the most genuine guys I've ever played with. He loved life, he loved baseball... he will be missed dearly."
 

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying that "all of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández.

"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."

Many fans spoke of their sadness that, having already achieved remarkable sporting success, Fernández's life had been cut short just as he was starting a family.

Five days ago, the young star had posted a picture to Instagram of his pregnant girlfriend, with the caption: "I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together."

Baseball fan Matt Birnbach wrote: "Jose was a reason you watched baseball. He was must see tv and his personality is what made him great. Absolutely crushed right now."

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/25/us/mlb-pitcher-jose-fernandez-dead/index.html

[Pabbatt Blue]

A very terrible unfathomable loss that hopefully will never be forgotten. Don't take life for granted people.... You never know when you will meet your maker, I know I take life for granted myself. Now matter how successful you are anything can happen =/

 

-Prayers out to his family

 

-Pabb.

[FrostedFlake]

Such a great guy ... so bad to see good people go that young... and i mean good in life, good for his community.

 

For sure he was one of the greatest prospect too and yeah live you lives to the fullest we never know what an happen.

 

Peace and love