One reaction to the news that Jose Fernandez died in a boat crash with two friends early Sunday morning included those wondering why anyone would go onto the water at that hour. According to Local 10, that sentiment was communicated by one friend via text before Fernandez, Emilio Macia and Eduardo Rivero ever got on the boat.
Rivero’s friends said Fernandez was stressed out about something and needed to blow off steam on the water.
They said Rivero messaged another friend and was hesitant about going out on the boat, but went anyway to keep Fernandez close to shore.
One of Rivero’s last texts to a friend was: “Trust me. It’s not my time.”
Here is a screenshot of that conversation, which was posted to the Instagram page of a friend of Rivero’s.
"Trust me it's not my time yet"- 1 of last texts Eddy Rivero sent before dying on boat w/Jose Fernandez. Story @ 11. pic.twitter.com/y6aTNZVTVs
— Erica Rakow (@EricaRakow) September 26, 2016
A report by TMZ said Fernandez was spotted at American Social Bar & Kitchen about 90 minutes before the crash.
When asked for specifics about what happened inside — including whether alcohol was served to Jose or his friends — a rep for the restaurant would only say, “Jose Fernandez was a guest at American Social.”
Even if alcohol was involved to some extent — toxicology reports are still pending — it doesn’t make what happened any less of a tragedy. The Marlins’ pregame tribute to Fernandez on Monday and Dee Gordon’s reaction after a leadoff home run will be indelible images forever.
(Local 10 News, TMZ)
