The Sports World Reacts to the Tragic Death of Miami Marlins' José Fernández

Marlins Manager Don Mattingly tearfully remembers the life and legacy of José Fernández. pic.twitter.com/BeuYgxHPHV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 25, 2016

The life of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández ended tragically after he was involved in a boating accident in Miami early this morning. Understandably, the baseball and general sports world were devastated by the loss of the bright, 24-year-old Cuban star, who exuded a child-like joy both on and off the mound.

Fernández endeared himself to the greater public in 2013 during his Rookie of the Year season with the Marlins. Along with garnering attention for his chart-topping pitching—he was among the top ten in several pitching stats in the NL that year, including number of strikeouts per nine innings and hits allowed per nine innings, and third in WAR—Fernández also gained recognition for his optimism and iconic backstory about how he defected from Cuba. On his fourth and final—successful—attempt to leave Cuba in 2007, his mother fell overboard from the boat that was transporting them. Fernández, who was 15 at the time, dove in to save her.

Fernández was known as a player who made the clubhouse shine, always wearing a big smile, and often jawing delightedly with other players and coaches in the dugout. The reach he had, and the love for those around him—particularly his family—inspired a deep affection the world over.

Here's are some of the reactions to the news of Fernández's death from those he touched in the sports community:

Statement from the Miami Marlins organization: pic.twitter.com/6A4Rv6m2g9
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016

Statement from Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria: pic.twitter.com/niEFiSfaq7
— Todd Dybas (@Todd_Dybas) September 25, 2016

We are stunned and devastated by the tragic news that Jose Fernandez, 24, has died in a boating accident. https://t.co/QIBcnIYJ1i pic.twitter.com/SDZoL6NMEb
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2016

The mound at Marlins Park pic.twitter.com/X4yp7CE7QE
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) September 25, 2016

Marlins Park tribute to José Fernandez. #Marlins #MLB @Marlins @MLB pic.twitter.com/Mj3BZ5XCNL
— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) September 25, 2016

My favorite Jose Fernandez wasn't on the field. It was the love and joy he showed when he realized his grandma was going to see him pitch. pic.twitter.com/gzgd6IS85u
— Cards Nation (@CardsNation13) September 25, 2016

Rest in power, brother pic.twitter.com/VW24AKV4Ij
— Ryan Cortes (@Ryan_Cortes) September 25, 2016

Rest in Power Jose Fernandez. The world lost a great baseball player, but more importantly an even better person. Prayers up for his family.
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) September 25, 2016

Moment of silence for Jose Fernandez in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/Bkm2okUS9h
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) September 25, 2016

.@MiamiDolphins held a moment of silence for Jose Fernandez https://t.co/YgXhLGVg6u pic.twitter.com/zVuaZpcrQl
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 25, 2016

Several players took to social media to express their grief over Fernández's death:

No. 16, forever in our hearts. Dee Gordon will never forget his friend, José Fernández. pic.twitter.com/sCFlNhrRMN
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2016

David Ortiz honoring his friend Jose Fernandez today. pic.twitter.com/UZrWRJoH6M
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) September 25, 2016

Jose Fernandez was 1 of the biggest talents I'd ever seen & a heart to match. Devastated by this. Heart goes out to Jose's family & @Marlins
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) September 25, 2016

Praying for the family, friends and teammates of Jose Fernandez.. Today is a sad day for baseball.. He will be missed by us all..
— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) September 25, 2016

There are no words to describe the sickness and sadness I feel this morning over the loss of Jose Fernandez. RIP my friend!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) September 25, 2016

You loved striking me out, and teasing me about it. I'm going to miss you bro #puiglovesyou pic.twitter.com/o3tqohRv5U
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) September 25, 2016

Yasiel Puig on the death of his friend, José Fernández: "I still can't believe that he left life." https://t.co/Z2KMB8sM7z
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) September 25, 2016

"We all knew how charismatic he was." Yoenis Cespedes discusses the loss of Jose Fernandez: pic.twitter.com/yx4rCBZvt5
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 25, 2016

And just to give you a reminder of the kind of person that Fernández was, here is a video of him celebrating a big hit from his teammate Giancarlo Stanton. May we all take such delight in the people around us. Rest in peace, José.