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Jose Fernandez Dead: Miami Marlins Pitcher Dies in Boating Accident at 24

Jose Fernandez
Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins poses during Photo Day on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

Miami Marlins star pitcher José Fernández was killed in a boating accident in Miami Beach, Florida, early Sunday, September 25, the MLB team announced. He was 24.

"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández," the team said in a statement on its website Sunday morning. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."

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According to the Associated Press, Coast Guard patrol spotted an overturned boat at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time on a jetty near Government Cut, Florida. Fernández was one of three people killed in the accident, authorities said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that the 32-foot vessel the athlete was on had a "severe impact" with a jetty.

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"All of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "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."

Fernández, who was born in Santa Clara, Cuba, arrived in the United States with his mother in 2007 after failing to defect three times. The Marlins chose him as a first round draft pick in 2011, and he quickly rose to the major league two years later. He was a two-time All-Star and won the National League's Rookie of the Year award in 2013.

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Earlier in the week, Fernández seemingly announced his girlfriend was pregnant via Instagram, sharing a photo of an unidentified woman holding her baby bump in a bikini on the beach. "I'm so glad you came into my life," he wrote. "I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst."

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

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