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Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez dies in boating accident

Posted at 9:38 AM, Sep 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-25 09:58:37-04

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident early Sunday morning, according to ESPN and multiple other outlets.

The Marlins released this statement announcing the cancelation of their game scheduled for Sunday.

"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. Today's game against the Atlanta Braves has been cancelled."

Fernandez, 24, was scheduled to start the game on Sunday, but was pushed back to Monday to make room for another pitcher, ESPN reported.

Chief Petty Officer Nyxolyno Cangemi told The Associated Press that a Coast Guard patrol boat spotted an overturned boat at 3:30 a.m. on a jetty near Government Cut. The bodies were discovered a short time later.

Because the boat was on a jetty, the Coast Guard notified Miami-Dade police, which turned the investigation over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a "severe impact" with a jetty, said Lorenzo Veloz of the Fish Commission.