MIAMI (AP) - Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning in Florida, the Marlins confirmed.
The Marlins' game against the Atlanta Braves scheduled for Sunday afternoon has been canceled.
Fernandez, the 24-year-old right-hander whose vibrant personality endeared himself to fans as much as his dominant fastball, was a Cuban-born pitcher who grew up in Miami and was drafted 11th overall by the Marlins in 2011. He overcame Tommy John surgery in 2014 and returned to dominant form this season, winning 16 games, striking out 253 batters and earning an All-Star Game berth.
CBS Miami reported that three people were killed in an early morning boating accident that could possibly include more victims.
Known for his ebullient personality - which could occasionally rankle opponents - and a pitch repertoire that could stagger opponents with both his fastball and a devastating curve, Fernandez was the backbone of the Marlins pitching staff, posting a 2.86 earned-run average. He struck out at least 11 batters in nine of his 29 starts this season.
In the final start of his career, Wednesday night against the Washington Nationals, Fernandez shut out the Washington Nationals over eight innings, striking out 12 in a 1-0 victory.
