Marlins Players, Fans Grieve Death Of Pitcher Jose Fernandez
MIAMI (WWJ/AP) - Miami Marlins players gathered at the team's ballpark to grieve together following the death of teammate Jose Fernandez.
"A lot of words were said, meaningful words and emotion and prayer," Marlins president David Samson said. "Jose is a member of this family for all time."
Samson spoke at a news conference, surrounded by more than two dozen players wearing Marlins jerseys - the black ones.
Manager Don Mattingly and president of baseball operations Michael Hill flanked Samson and fought back tears.
"`When I think about Jose, it's going to be thinking about a little kid," Mattingly said. "I see such a little boy in him ... the way he played. ... Kids play Little League, that's the joy Jose played with."
The U.S. Coast Guard says Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.
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. Reports state none of the victims were wearing life jackets.
The boat was traveling full speed and was demolished. There was no evidence of alcohol or illegal substances being a factor in the crash.
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."
"Deep in our hearts there is a lot of pain," third baseman Martin Prado said. "Somehow we've got to overcome that."
The Marlins' game Sunday against Atlanta was canceled. Their home game Monday night against the New York Mets will be played as scheduled, the team said.
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