Many woke up Sunday to the shocking news that Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez had died in a tragic boat accident. The 24-year-old was a rising star not only for the Marlins, but the entire league, and many are sharing their condolences online. The team announced the loss of Fernandez and the cancellation of the day’s game on Twitter:
Statement from the Miami Marlins organization: pic.twitter.com/6A4Rv6m2g9
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement on the passing, confirming the Marlins announcement
Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement on the passing of Jose Fernandez (via @MLB_PR) https://t.co/6X58yM6xXO pic.twitter.com/aLMzMTXNu8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2016
Major other MLB and minor league organizations added their sadness and condolences:
We are stunned and devastated by the tragic news that Jose Fernandez, 24, has died in a boating accident. https://t.co/QIBcnIYJ1i pic.twitter.com/SDZoL6NMEb
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2016
We’re saddened by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez.
Our hearts go out to Jose’s family and the entire @Marlins organization.— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 25, 2016
The Atlanta Braves organization sends our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Fernandez and to the Marlins organization.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 25, 2016
We are heartbroken by the news of Jose Fernandez's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & the entire Marlins organization.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 25, 2016
The Blue Jays organization sends our thoughts & prayers to the family and friends of José Fernández and to the Marlins organization & fans.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marlins organization, their fans and the family of Jose Fernandez.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of José Fernández as well as the Marlins organization and fans.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jose Fernandez & the entire Marlins organization.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jose Fernandez's family & the Marlins organization during this incredibly difficult time. #BaseballFamily
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 25, 2016
The Dodgers share in baseball's devastation over the death of José Fernández and offer his family and friends our sincere condolences. pic.twitter.com/dvSzF80FxM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2016
The Bulls join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Jose Fernandez.
RIP to a true baseball talent.
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) September 25, 2016
And the outpouring of support from fellow MLB players was evident, showing just how shocking this loss was for many:
Heartbroken, speechless. #RIPJoseFernandez
May God strengthen the Fernandez Family
Increíble. Indescriptible. Dios fortalezca la Flia Fdez— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) September 25, 2016
Is hard for me to believe that this day is going on. I understand really how the Fernandez family must feel about losing this young baby.
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) September 25, 2016
I dont have the words to describe the pain feel for the loss of my friend Jose. Goodbye, my friend. pic.twitter.com/xvaa5z62RW
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) September 25, 2016
Clint Hurdle on the death of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez pic.twitter.com/Csbm8JrpVO
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) September 25, 2016
Saddened by the loss of José Fernandez. Sending thoughts and prayers out to his family.
— Albert Pujols (@PujolsFive) September 25, 2016
I tend to stay off of Twitter on start days but I cannot believe the news about Jose Fernandez. The game and the world just lost a great one
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) September 25, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
— Bert Blyleven (@BertBlyleven28) September 25, 2016
My heart is broken. #RIPjose
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) September 25, 2016
RIP Jose Fernandez. Prayers to the Fernandez family and to the Marlins organization.
— David Hernandez (@DHern_30) September 25, 2016
Such sad news about Jose Fernandez. His passion and charisma for this game was 1 of a kind. #RIPJoseFernandez. The game will never forget u.
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez had amazing stuff and is loved and respected by our @MLB family. My thoughts are with his family and team today. @Marlins pic.twitter.com/l3zbCT8g6o
— Billy Butler (@BillRayButler) September 25, 2016
Can't believe the sickening news, RIP Jose Fernandez.
— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) September 25, 2016
Shocked by the news of Jose Fernandez. Today, the game of baseball mourns together. God bring comfort to us all.
— Michael Lorenzen (@Lorenzen55) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/LoganBawcom/status/780034008570736640
https://twitter.com/LoganBawcom/status/780036076723286016
We all think it won't happen to us. Life is so valuable and tragedies happen. Rest in peace Jose Fernandez…
— Cody Sedlock (@CodySedlock) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez is one of the most genuine guys I've ever played with. He loved life, he loved baseball…..he will be missed dearly.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) September 25, 2016
Heart of gold. Was an honor to step in the box against you. RIP Jose Fernandez. That smile will be missed.
— Jp Arencibia (@jparencibia9) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/KevinFrandsen/status/780045082523209728
Words can't express the shock and sadness the @MLB community feels over the loss of Jose Fernandez. Thoughts and prayers for all his family.
— Evan Longoria (@Evan3Longoria) September 25, 2016
RIP José Fernández. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and close ones during these very… https://t.co/hPsCwqlnza
— Jose Reyes (@lamelaza_7) September 25, 2016
Devastated by the horrible news this morning. Our thoughts and prayers for Jose Fernandez' family. So bright, so young, so sad.
— Raúl Ibañez (@RaulIbanezMLB) September 25, 2016
The tributes weren’t relegated to just baseball either, with other sports commenting on the loss of Fernandez:
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/780046000740118528
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Jose Fernandez and the entire @Marlins organization. pic.twitter.com/UUVi9kV7Fj
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 25, 2016
Sad news about Jose Fernandez… RIP, he was my age!!!!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) September 25, 2016
Too sad…and he was expecting a child soon. Marlins' Jose Fernandez killed in boat accident https://t.co/STw3HcxqRf via @usatoday
— Marcellus Wiley (@marcelluswiley) September 25, 2016
Many members of the sports media pitched in their memories too, including a heart aching note by Peter Gammons and a look back by Dan LeBatard:
A third of the way through writing why Jose Fernandez is the best pitcher in the game in 2016, I got the news…God bless his grandmother…
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) September 25, 2016
The tragic death of Jose Fernandez is one of the saddest sports stories I can ever remember. A vibrant upbeat guy with a special talent. RIP
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) September 25, 2016
This is my favorite photo. I took it after he got a W vs Dodgers. He grabbed chair, watched fireworks. A big leaguer but always kid at heart pic.twitter.com/QwDzQ1sKCx
— Allison Williams (@AllisonW_Sports) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/Tepper/status/780083229856378880
That Jose Fernandez should have escaped from Cuba, saved his drowning mother, flourished here, only to meet this end, breaks the heart.
— Keith Olbermann⌚️ (@KeithOlbermann) September 25, 2016
Just one part of Jose Fernandez's story…. https://t.co/s7BdmN9mbN
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/780048727897538560
https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/780049599192903680
Jose Fernandez once saved his own mother from drowning as he escaped to this country. This poor woman must be heartbroken & devastated
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez was my favorite player. He seemed so real, so full of life, so comfortable with who he was. This is so damn heartbreaking.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 25, 2016
Stunned by this tragic news. Prayers and love to the family of Jose Fernandez. #RIPJoseFernandez https://t.co/azTPtKErX1
— Lindsay Berra 〽️ (@lindsayberra) September 25, 2016
The infectious youthful exuberance of Jose Fernandez may have been even bigger than his baseball talent. He'll be missed on & off the field.
— Paul Severino (@SeverinoMLB) September 25, 2016
So sad about tragic death of Jose Fernandez My prayers and condolences go out to his family and to @Marlins. What a shining star he was.
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) September 25, 2016
There are no words about the news of the death of Jose Fernandez. #RIP
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 25, 2016
If you want to bawl your eyes out, this was Jose Fernandez seeing his grandma for the first time since he was 15 https://t.co/OU7V2fEo31
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) September 25, 2016
Heart sank & pit in my stomach feeling over the Jose Fernandez news. So sad. So tragic. #RIP
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/iamjoonlee/status/780040008942161920
The baseball world mourns the tragic loss of Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. https://t.co/gfj1m8mQ1f
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez was everything good about baseball and life. He made people happier everyday, what better legacy is there than that.
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/Marc_Normandin/status/780038642899312640
RIP Jose Fernandez … I'm in shock.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) September 25, 2016
What a passionate,vibrant spirit Jose Fernandez was. He had a baby on the way. Not getting to see him pitch is down the list. Heartbreaking.
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) September 25, 2016
One of the best Jose Fernandez moments. He'll never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Kbom2x4EAr
— Kent (@RealKentMurphy) September 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/attackerman/status/780037414945447936
Jose Fernandez was the future of MLB and Miami. To lose him so young is unthinkable and beyond tragic. RIP. https://t.co/qDQQVuUn1V
— Marcelo Claure (@marceloclaure) September 25, 2016
R.I.P. Jose Fernandez…Pitcher For The Miami Marlins from a boating accident…Age 24…sad loss
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) September 25, 2016
I can't believe the news about Jose Fernandez. I will be repeating that statement to myself ALL DAY LONG.
— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) September 25, 2016
This Jose Fernandez news is just too awful to comprehend as a baseball fan. He was impossible not to love to watch pitching.
— Jeff Blehar is *BOX OFFICE POISON* (@EsotericCD) September 25, 2016
A shocking loss like this is really hard to handle, especially for someone so young and talented. You can never truly prepare for a tragic death, but it hurts a lot more when it is someone young and talented like Fernandez. It also makes this tweet from Fernandez earlier in September much more poignant that one would imagine at the time.
— JoseDFernandez (@JDFernandez16) September 1, 2015
Rest in peace. It’s a hard day for sports in general.
