Miami Marlin’s Jose Fernandez died at the age of 24 early Sunday in a Miami boating accident. Two of Fernandez’s friends, Eddy Rivero and Emilio Macias,  also died at the scene. Fernandez and company were in a 32-foot motorboat that smashed into a jetty that outlines the northern section of Miami’s deep-water channel. Reports show that Fernandez’s cause of death was from the impact of the crash and not from drowning. The presence of drugs or alcohol in the crash was unable to be determined due to how damaged the boat was left.  Toxicology tests will be run to see if they were under the influence. It is still unknown as to what caused the boat to hit the jetty.

“It’s really sad that he died at such a young age and so suddenly. [The fact that] he is leaving behind his mom, grandma and pregnant girlfriend makes it worse. He was basically just starting his life and I still can’t believe that it’s true,” sophomore Natalie Aller said.

At the age of 15, Fernandez was imprisoned by Cuban authorities for attempting to escape the communist government; he was able to succeed on his fourth try. During his triumph, Fernandez realized that a person fell into the water and goes to help them, little did he know it was his mother who fell. During Fernandez’s sophomore year at Braulio Alonso High School, he was able to throw 94-mph fastballs. He also led his high school baseball team to two state championships. The Marlins selected him in the first round of 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He was able to reach majors in April 2013 where he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. In every single major league season he pitched, Fernandez had an earned run average (E.R.A.) below 3.00.

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It’s sad to see such a young talented person pass away. He had recently announced his engagement and baby on the way. He had his life together and in the flash of an eye he passed away causing an impact to not only millions of fans but also to his family and partner.

— junior Isabella Hernandez

Officers still don’t know who was conducting the vessel that night nor do they know the cause of the hit. They believe one of their vectors could be that the 32-foot motorboat was going over speed and they lost control over the boat. Reports from his teammates say that Fernandez and his girlfriend, who is four months pregnant, were in a fight the night of the accident.

On Sep. 28 Fernandez’s memorial service took place at the St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Miami, Florida. The Marlins team and fans paid tribute to Fernandez on Sept. 26. Officers are still investigating the case and will report back later. Condolences to all three families during this period of grieving.