Marlins' Ace Jose Fernandez Dies in Boating Accident at 24

Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez has died early this morning in a boating accident, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Sunday. 

Fernandez was 24. 

The Marlins released the following statement, and they have cancelled today's Marlins-Braves in respect for Fernandez:

"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred released this statement: 

"All of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. He was one of our game's great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life."

Many players took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Fernandez. 

---

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

What an infectious smile, love for his family, and passion that he had for this game. You will def be missed my friend. #RIPJoseFernandez

— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) 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 (@Bharper3407) September 25, 2016

Fernandez was known both on and off the field for his charisma, passion for baseball and his talent. 

Over his fantastic, but unfortunately short, career, Fernandez went 38-17 with a 2.58 ERA and a 589-140 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 471 1/3 innings pitched (4 seasons).

Stats, though, do not even begin to tell the full story of Fernandez, who defected from Cuba and has become one of the many young faces of Major League Baseball. In the heartbreaking news today, many around the game are grieving. 

Cover Those Bases gives its condolences to Fernandez's family, his teammates and the Miami Marlins organization on the loss of a figure that touched the hearts of many. 

--Devan Fink