Every premature death seems to be tragic, but tragedy takes a turn for the worse when someone dies just as they were celebrating the news of potentially becoming a parent soon.

Baseball star Jose Fernandez departed from this world before he could attain the joy of welcoming his offspring who was born a few months after his death.

Fernandez's life certainly wasn't straightforward as it was only revealed after he died that he, in fact, was married and divorced, as well as broke off his engagement with his fiance after an affair with then-future mother of his child.

Jose Fernandez Died Aged 24 In 2016

Former Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident in Florida on 25th September 2016. The news was confirmed by the Marlins.

Jose Fernandez Died Aged 24 In 2016
Source: Radar Online

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement:

"All of baseball is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Jose Fernandez. He was one of our great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013.

He continued:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life."

Florida Wildlife Commission confirmed to USA Today, Fernandez died as a result of the impact of the crash, not the drowning. The boat in which Jose and two others were travelling in was at significant speed when it struck rocks.

Chief Nyxolyno Cangemi revealed, a Coast Guard crew left the Miami station for a law enforcement patrol. It found the 32-foot boat overturned on a jetty around 3.30 am.

The investigation was later handled by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The three victims were between 24 and 27. Moreover, it was believed alcohol had nothing to do with the crash. Furthermore, no illicit drugs were found at the scene.

Jose Fernandez Broke Off His Engagement To Carla Mendoza Prior To His Death

The Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez broke off his engagement to former cheerleader for Miami Marlins named Carla Mendoza 4 months earlier in April.

The reason for the split was believed to be his affair with Maria Arias. She got pregnant just weeks into their relationship. The baby was expected to be a baby girl. His daughter named Penelope Jo Fernandez was born on 24th February 2017.

Jose Fernandez broke off his engagement to Carla Mendoza prior to his death
Source: Hollywood Life

A few days prior to his death, Jose posted a photo on Instagram sharing his excitement at the prospect of becoming a father of his girlfriend Arias' child. He wrote:

"I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst"

Fernandez and Mendoza began dating in 2013  and were set to be married before their split. Speaking of their early dating years, Carla's mother said:

"They started talking when they saw one another at the stadium and they started dating."

Mendoza was later fired for violating the regulation that did not allow cheerleaders to date players. Carla's mom further revealed her daughter wanted to get married after she graduated from nursing school in May 2017.

However, Jose claimed his agent did not want him to get married until he got a new contract in two years. This disagreement over the length of the wait before they take wedding vows caused disputes which led to them departing.

Both Mendoza and his soon to be the mother of his child Arias visited Jose's mother's house in Miami. They arrived mere hours after Fernandez's boat crashed.

One of the friends of the victims later revealed Fernandez was feeling distressed the night he was killed along with two other friends.

Jose Fernandez Was Married To Alejandra Baleato

Jose Fernandez whose death shocked the baseball world was not known to be married until he passed away. The death certificate of the Marlins star revealed he previously married and divorced his high school sweetheart as per TMZ.

Jose Fernandez was married to Alejandra Baleato

Source: The Runner Sports

Fernandez tied the knot with Alejandra Baleato in December 2012, when both of them were merely 20 years old. The ceremony took place in Tampa.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the former lovebirds met for the first time at the movies. Jose's death certificate listed the deceased baseball star's marital status as 'divorced'. Furthermore, the document revealed he was cremated.

Jose Fernandez: Quick Facts

Source: Slate Magazine

  • Born on 31st July 1992 in Santa Clara, Cuba.
  • His birth sign was Leo.
  • His mother was Maritza Fernandez.
  • He grew up in the same streets as future MLB shortstop Aledmys Diaz.
  • He played for the same youth baseball team as Diaz.
  • Diaz's uncle was a big influence in his life, motivating him to pursue a pro baseball career.
  • He went to Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida.
  • He used his right hand to bat and his left to throw.
  • He made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins on 7th April 2013.
  • His last MLB appearance was for the Marlins on 20th September 2016.
  • His win-loss record stood at 38-17 while he earned 2.58 runs on average as well as 589 strikeouts.
  • He played for Miami Marlins for three years from 2013 to 2016 before his death.
  • He was a two times All-Star (2013 and 2016).
  • He was named National League Rookie of the year with Miami Marlins in 2013.
  • As a teenager, he defected from Cuba in 2008.
  • His net worth was estimated to be $3 million.

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