Jose Fernandez dead: Miami Marlins pitcher killed in boat crash

Fernandez, 24, was widely regarded as one of the most talented up-and-coming pitchers in the MLB, with the Cuban native a two-time All-Star player in 2013 and 2016

Major League Baseball player Jose Fernandez has been killed in a boating accident, his team have confirmed.

Fernandez, 24, was widely regarded as one of the most talented up-and-coming pitchers in the MLB, with the Cuban native a two-time All-Star player in 2013 and 2016.

He joined the Miami Marlins in 2013 after being selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, and the franchise released a statement on Sunday to confirm his tragic death.

“The Miami Marlins organization [sic] is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez,” a short statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

“Today’s game against the Atlanta Braves has been cancelled.”

Miami Marlins star Jose Fernandez has been killed in a boating accident

(Getty)

Local media in Miami have reported that three people were killed in a boating accident of the coast of Miami beach in the early hours of Sunday morning. Authorities discovered a boat upside down in the water that had made contact with nearby rocks.

Today’s MLB match between the Marlins and the Atlanta Braves, in which Fernandez was due to feature in, has been cancelled. Fernandez had confirmed just last week that he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child.

Fernandez grew up in Santa Clara, Cuba, before he – along with his mother and sister – defected to the United States in 2007 after three failed attempts that resulted in prison sentences. During the successful attempt, Fernandez had to dive into the water after his mother had fallen overboard from the boat they were travelling in.

After settling with his stepfather, Ramon Jimenez, in Tampa, Florida, Fernandez attended the Braulio Alonso High School, but he was ruled ineligible by the Florida High State Athletic Association after enlisting in ninth grade while still in Cuba in 2006, exhausting his eligibility to play in his senior year.

MLB side the Cincinnati Reds were prepared to sign Fernandez regardless as an international free agent with a $1.3m signing bonus, but Fernandez won an appeal against his ineligibility and was allowed to play for his school in his senior year, before being selected in the Draft by the Marlins as the 14th overall pick.

He received a $2m signing bonus, and made his MLB debut on 7 April 2013 against the New York Mets and immediately started to impress. His form earned him an invitation to represent the Marlins in the National League All-Star game, where he struck out two batters to become just the third person to do so in their All-Star debut before their 21st birthday.

Fernandez saw his 2014 and 2015 seasons ravaged by injury after tearing his UCL joint as well as straining his bicep, and his recovery saw him limit the use of his 100mph-plus fast ball in order to regain full strength.

He received his United States citizenship in April 2015.