Major League Baseball pitching sensation Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident in Miami early Sunday, his team Miami Marlins reported. Fernandez was 24.
Sunday’s game between the Marlins and Atlanta Braves was cancelled, while teams across the league observed a moment of silence in Fernandez’s memory.
“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,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic passing of one of baseball’s brightest and well-liked young athletes, and send our deepest condolences to Mr. Fernandez’s family and friends, MLB, MLBPA and his club and fans,” said WBSC.
The Cuban Baseball Federation said, “We are very saddened…this is a tremendous loss.”
The 2013 MLB National League Rookie of the Year was born in Cuba and became a U.S. citizen in 2015.
Since the shocking announcement of his death, there has been an overwhelming outpouring by teammates, players and the sports world remembering Fernandez.
