Early on the morning of September 25, Miami Marlins pitching phenom Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident.
The two-time MLB All-Star and former National League rookie of the year was just 24 years old.
In their first game back following Fernandez’s tragic passing, the Marlins paid loving tribute to Fernandez, with the entire team wearing his jersey.
Fernandez’s friend and teammate Dee Gordon led off the game with a home run – his first in 358 days – and welled up with tears as he rounded the bases.
Two friends of Fernandez’s, Eddy Rivero and Emilio Macias, were also killed when Fernandez’s 32-foot fishing boat crashed into a jetty off the coast of Miami Beach.
Now, details about what brought all three men our on that fateful late-night excursion are beginning to emerge thanks to information provided by family and friends.
According to several of his teammates was eager to head out on the water due to a fight with his pregnant girlfriend.
Aware of his fragile emotional state, friends say they cautioned him to be careful.
"That night I told him, ‘Don’t go out,’” outfielder Marcell Ozuna told the Miami Herald.
“Everybody knew he was crazy about that boat and loved being out on the water. I told him I couldn’t go out that night because I had the kids and my wife waiting for me."
Fernandez assured Ozuna that all would be well and asked his friend to help make sure he made it to the ballpark on time the following morning:
“He told me if I didn’t hear from him by 10 a.m. (Sunday) to call him and wake him up so he could get back to the ballpark on time for the game," Ozuna said
"I told him, ‘Yeah no problem. I’ll call you.’ I woke up Sunday and that’s when I found out. I cried and cried."
Will Bernal, a close friend of Rivero’s posted the above photo, along with his and Rivero’s final text message exchange, on his Instagram page.
As you can see, Bernal also had concerns about the planned boating trip.
He captioned the photo:
"Our last phone conversation and text messages last night. I feel sick to my stomach.
"Everyone is talking about Jose Fernandez but you died trying to be there for him and be a good friend. This doesn’t sit with me well.
"I can’t get over this nightmare. I already miss you and our daily conversations. You died being a great friend.
"I feel guilty that I didn’t do a better job of trying to convince you not get on that boat. You told me just so I know in case something happens. You had a gut feeling and that is killing me.
"You were loved by many and I’ll do my best to stay involved with them. Lauren and I will keep you in our prayers. Rest In Peace brother. Love you little bro Eddy Rivero."
Authorities say no signs of drug or alcohol use were present at the crash site.
At this point, it is unclear which of the three men was driving the boat.
We’ll have further updates on this story as more information becomes available.