Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez and Friends’ Bodies Had ‘Strong Odor of Alcohol’ When Found
Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and his two friends had a strong odor of alcohol on their bodies when found last month by divers, according to a medical examiner, the Miami Herald reported.
Fernandez, 24, Emilio Jesus Macias, 27, and Eduardo Rivero, 25, were all killed in a boating accident in the early hours of September 25 after their vessel, “Kaught Looking,” hit a jetty off Miami’s South Beach.
A search warrant affidavit, which was released by the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office Wednesday and obtained by the Miami Herald, also stated that investigators found evidence that the driver of the boat was running at a high rate of speed and with a “recklessness” that was “exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol.”
Also Read: Death of Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez Sparks Shock and Sadness in Sports World
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the incident, but has not confirmed who was piloting the boat at the time of the fatal crash.
Toxicology and autopsy reports have also not been released, but Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida judge Martin Zilber wrote in the affidavit that Fernandez and the two men died with water in their lungs and suffered blunt-force injuries consistent with a boating collision, USA Today reported.
Also Read: #RallyTogether: Stars Rooting for the Cleveland Indians (Photos)
According to the affidavit, the victims were at a bar where alcohol was served shortly before the accident took place, and a receipt for alcohol purchased there was found in one of their pockets.
Also Read: Charlie Sheen Revives Ricky Vaughn Character to Pump Up Cleveland Indians (Video)
A defector from Cuba and a rising star in the MLB, Fernandez was selected by the Marlins in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft.
After an impressive MLB debut on April 7, 2013, he was named to the 2013 MLB All-Star Game and won the NL Rookie of the Year Award following that season.
Related stories from TheWrap:
MLB Analyst John Kruk Exits ESPN
Death of Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez Sparks Shock and Sadness in Sports World
Ratings: Game 1 of World Series Approaches 20 Million Total Viewers
