The late Marlins pitcher, who was one of three people killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning in Miami, had revealed just five days before his death that he was going to be a father.
Fernández posted a picture of his girlfriend, Carla Mendoza, on Instagram earlier this week, announcing the couple was expecting their first child.
MORE: Notable sports deaths of 2016
A photo posted by Jose Fernandez (@jofez16) on Sep 19, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT
Fernández and Mendoza came out as a couple in September 2015 when they were photographed kissing as the right-hander celebrated becoming the first pitcher in the modern era to win his first 17 career home decisions.
The 24-year-old’s tragic death was confirmed by the Marlins shortly after news of the accident broke Sunday morning.
“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”
