MLB stars, athletes pay tribute to Jose Fernandez, dead at 24

MIAMI — Early Sunday, Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez died at age 24 in a boating accident off Miami Beach. Fernandez is survived by his family, which includes his grandmother, his mother and his girlfriend, Carla Mendoza, who Fernandez recently revealed was pregnant with their child.

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Fernandez's fun-loving and enthusiastic demeanor, both on and off of the field, left a lasting impression on not only the Miami sports community but also the sports world as a whole.

Several prominent South Florida sports figures and teams tweeted out their condolences to Fernandez’s family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Jose Fernandez. Jose represented hope, inspiration and greatness.
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) September 25, 2016

I jus landed to this awful awful news. I didn't know #JoseFernandez but I was a fan from afar… https://t.co/jQcXuXZvcL
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 25, 2016

Prior to the start of today's game, we will have a moment of silence for Jose Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/tJG1htb88K
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 25, 2016

Statement from the Florida Panthers on José Fernández:https://t.co/f3KAAHL2zz
— Florida Panthers PR (@FlaPanthersPR) September 25, 2016

We send our our deepest condolences to Jose Fernandez's family and to the Miami Marlins. Rest In Peace.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 25, 2016

The baseball community also took to social media to mourn the loss of a teammate and competitor that they had grown to respect during his impressive, yet all too short four-year MLB career.

I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. I lost my brother today and can't quite… https://t.co/1wD0h3IBaG
— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) 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

Like everyone else I cannot believe the news I woke up to. My heart is beyond grieved for his family, the Marlins, and those men that suit..
— Steve Cishek (@srSHREK31) September 25, 2016

.. up with him everyday. He was an tenacious competitor, a great teammate, and an even better person. Gonna miss u brother
— Steve Cishek (@srSHREK31) September 25, 2016

So sad. Prayers for Jose Fernandez and his family. Such a joy watching him play the game. He will truly be missed.
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) September 25, 2016

Sad news as baseball has lost a great person and player. My condolences to his family. RIP Jose Fernandez
— Nelson Cruz (@ncboomstick23) 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

Absolutely devastated hearing about Jose. Thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and Marlins org.
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) September 25, 2016

Absolutely crushed and shocked at the news about Jo-Fez..My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the @Marlins org!
— Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) September 25, 2016

Fellow National League All-Star and Cuban Yoenis Cespedes paid tribute to Fernandez by taping a Mets jersey with Fenandez’s name and number on it in the Mets dugout. The team posted video of the tribute on Twitter.