Miami Marlins' José Fernández dies, game against Braves canceled

ATLANTA — The Miami Marlins have announced the death of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The U.S. Coast Guard says Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

The Marlins did not immediately release details, other than releasing a statement confirming the death of one of the top pitchers in baseball.

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

The Marlins' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.

The Atlanta Braves released the following statement to Channel 2 Action News:

"The Atlanta Braves organization sends our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Fernandez and to the Miami Marlins organization."

Minute by minute updates: 

12:25 p.m.

The owner of the Miami Marlins says he is feeling the "deepest sorrow" over the death of Jose Fernandez.

Jeffrey Loria released a statement early Sunday afternoon saying he, his family and the entire organization is mourning Fernandez's death.

Loria says that "sadly, the brightest lights are often the ones that extinguish the fastest."

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10:55 a.m.

Authorities in Florida say Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez was not wearing a life vest when he was killed in a boating crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

An official from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told reporters that Fernandez was with two friends when the 32-foot SeaVee that they were traveling in hit rocks and capsized during a boating trip.

Lorenzo Veloz of the fish commission said the boat was found upside down. Two bodies were found under the vessel and one was found in the water by divers.

The boat was traveling full speed and was demolished. There was no evidence of alcohol or illegal substances being a factor in the crash.

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10:45 a.m.

Major League Baseball released a statement saying it was "stunned and devastated" by news of the death of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The 24-year-old pitcher was killed in a boat crash early Sunday off Miami Beach. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating. Two other people died.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called Fernandez one of baseball's "great young stars" who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013.

Manfred said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life."

The Marlins' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.

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The Miami Marlins have announced the death of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The U.S. Coast Guard says Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

The Marlins did not immediately release details, other than releasing a statement confirming the death of one of the top pitchers in baseball.

In the 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' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.

Cox Media Group