Miami Marlins: Latest Jose Fernandez Details Do Not Change Anything
By David Hill
Yesterday, it was announced that Jose Fernandez had cocaine and alcohol in his system when he died in that tragic boating accident on September 25th. That should not change the way we regard the former Miami Marlins star.
The death of Jose Fernandez shocked the baseball world. Only 24 years old, the Miami Marlins pitcher had his entire life, and career ahead of him, only to have it taken away in the blink of an eye. His death, along with two others as his boat slammed into a jetty early in the morning on September 25th, was a tragedy that none could have expected.
In the past couple of days, details have come out about the accident. First, it was announced that all three bodies had a strong scent of alcohol. Then, yesterday, it was announced that not only was Fernandez legally drunk, but that he also had cocaine in his system. Meanwhile, Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero had some alcohol in their systems, but neither was drunk. Rivero, like Fernandez, also had cocaine in his system.
A senseless tragedy has now become even more unfortunate. It is hard to know if the accident could have been avoided if everyone was sober, but even a slightly altered mental state certainly did not help. However, family attorney Ralph Fernandez adamantly denied that the Marlins star was piloting the boat, citing a conversation he was having with someone else at the time of the accident.
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These toxicology reports are certainly important to the ongoing investigation into the accident, but they should not tarnish Jose Fernandez’ legacy. Instead of thinking about Fernandez as he was at the time of the accident, let us instead remember him for the person he had been.
That person was easily one of the more beloved players in the game. News of his passing shook the baseball community, as his love of the game and infectious smile touched everyone. He was adored in Miami, a home town kid who came over from Cuba, just like a large percentage of the population. Fernandez was one of them, and found success in his own backyard.
Yes, this revelation is important as the accident continues to be investigated. But it should not matter in regards to Fernandez’ memory. We all make mistakes in our lives, and Fernandez was no exception. It just so happens that this mistake occurred just hours before he and his friends lost their lives.
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Jose Fernandez was human. That should not tarnish the legacy that he has left behind, both with the Miami Marlins and in life.