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Marlins Star Pitcher José Fernández Dies in Boating Accident at 24

Marlins Star Pitcher José Fernández Dies in Boating Accident at 24

Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning. He was 24.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, an overturned boat that had crashed into a jetty was discovered at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday during law enforcement patrol. Fernández was confirmed as one of the three deceased found.

The other two victims have not yet been identified.

The Miami-Dade Fire Department released a photo of the crash scene off the coast of the Florida city.



In a statement, the Marlins say they are "devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."



The Marlins' scheduled game Sunday against the Atlanta Braves has been cancelled.

The standout baseball pitcher was expecting a baby with his girlfriend, identified by Larry Brown Sports as Carla Mendoza.

"I'm so glad you came into my life," Fernández recently captioned a photo of his girlfriend holding her baby bump on the beach. "I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together."

I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst

A photo posted by Jose Fernandez (@jofez16) on Sep 19, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT



According to Sports Illustrated, Fernández saved his mother from drowning when the family defected from Cuba when he was a teenager. His mother fell overboard and Fernández jumped in after her, paddling back to the boat with one arm as she held onto his back.

Fernández was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2013, also making the All-Star team during his first season. After missing the majority of the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery, he was named an All-Star for a second time this year.