After the tragic death of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, who was killed in a Florida boating accident on Sept. 25 at 24 years old, Latin superstars like Marc Anthony, Gente de Zona, Jencarlos, Gloria Estefan and Lin-Manuel Miranda took to social media to mourn the loss of the Cuban athlete, dedicating heartfelt tributes.
Anthony posted a photo of himself with the baseball player, who defected from Cuba at age 15, and had become one of baseball’s most promising stars. “It’s a shame to wake up with such sad news. We lost a great human being. Rest in peace, brother,”
“So much sadness and pain that I feel. I can’t believe this,” wrote Jencarlos. “I’m looking at pictures of us together, reading our conversations and remembering with a smile that now hurts … You left too soon. Your impact as an athlete was big and your impact as a human being even more. Some may say that your strength was in in your arm but the truth is that the power of your smile and spirit couldn’t even be measured my little brother. Many people don’t get to do what you did by age 24. You have left a big void. Rest in peace. Today someone is pitching a no-hitter up there. One day we will hug each other again.”
Gente de Zona’s Randy and Alexander posted: “Even though we just met a few years ago, you became one of our best and true friends. We are devastated with this news. Rest in peace, champ. Your family can always count on Gente de Zona.”
Miranda tweeted: “There are lights that go out too soon. We will never forget how they shone.”
Good morning.
There are lights that go out too soon. We will never forget how they shone. #RIPJose https://t.co/OX65Ytg9CJ— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) September 26, 2016
Gloria Estefan posted on Instagram: “He had his whole life ahead of him and was already making an indelible mark on the world & representing his culture in an honorable & uplifting way … RIP José & may your spirit live on forever.”
The Miami Marlins’ game yesterday afternoon (Sept. 25) against the Atlanta Braves was canceled in the wake of Fernández’s death. The Marlins will host the New York Mets tonight (Sept. 26) at 7:05 EST.