Jose Fernandez Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images
José Fernández announced his girlfriend, Carla Mendoza, was pregnant days before he was killed in a boating accident at age 24 in the early hours of Sunday, September 25.
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The Miami Marlins superstar pitcher posted an Instagram pic of Mendoza in a bikini cradling her belly at the beach, seemingly revealing that the couple were expecting their first child together. “I’m so glad you came into my life. I’m ready for where this journey is gonna take us together #familyfirst,” he captioned the photo on Monday, September 19.
The pair had been dating since at least September 2015, when they were photographed sharing a kiss after he broke a record to become the first pitcher in the modern era to win his first 17 career home decisions (a designation given to only one pitcher from the winning team).
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A photo posted by Jose Fernandez (@jofez16) on Sep 19, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT
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As previously reported, the Coast Guard patrol spotted an overturned boat at approximated 3:30 a.m. on a jetty near Government Cut, Florida. The baseball player and two friends were killed in the accident. Two bodies were found under the capsized boat, while another was found on the jetty. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that the vessel had a “severe impact” with the section of rocks, and it was likely traveling at “full speed” when it crashed.
“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández,” the Miami Marlins said in a statement on its website. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”
Jose Fernandez kisses his girlfriend Carla Mendoza after defeating the Atlanta Braves on September 25, 2015 in Miami. AP
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The Marlins game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday was canceled due to the tragedy. Fernández’s team paid tribute by painting his number 16 on the pitching mound and leaving a hat and flowers.
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