Braves-Marlins game cancelled following death of Jose Fernandez
The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins have cancelled their series finale on Sunday afternoon following the tragic death of Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.
"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez," the Marlins organization said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."
The Braves released their own statement following the tragedy: "The Atlanta Braves organization sends our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Fernandez and to the Marlins organization."
Fernandez, 24, was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning in Florida. The Coast Guard confirmed two of his Fernandez's personal friends were also killed when their 33-foot capsized on a jetty.
The exuberant Marlins ace won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2013 en route to becoming one of the brightest young stars in baseball. After rebounding from Tommy John surgery in 2014, Fernandez was set to finish the best season of his career within the next week — perhaps positioning himself as the NL Cy Young winner.
"All of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez," MLB 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."
I will miss your love and passion for the game! Your smile was infectious and your personality was one of a kind! Devastated #RIPJose pic.twitter.com/3RfYNVjoY7
— Freddie Freeman (@FreddieFreeman5) September 25, 2016
— Eddie Pérez 12 (@Eperez1212) September 25, 2016
Clint Hurdle on the death of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez pic.twitter.com/Csbm8JrpVO
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) September 25, 2016
