Jose Fernandez Had Cocaine In System During Fatal Boat Crash

Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez had been using drugs and alcohol at the time of a fatal boat crash that left him and two others dead, an autopsy report reveals.

Fernandez, 24, had cocaine and a blood alcohol level of .147  in his system during the September crash, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office said Saturday, according to CNN . 

The star pitcher was boating with friends Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero early on Sept. 25 when the boat hit rocks and capsized. Authorities said speed also played a factor, but they could not determine who had been driving the boat.

The Marlins drafted Fernandez in 2011. He played his first MLB game in 2013. Fernandez was the youngest Cuban-born player to make an All-Star debut, according to the Miami Herald. He won the National League Rookie of the Month Award twice.

Following the first Marlin’s game after Fernandez’s death, second baseman Dee Gordon launched a lead-off home run while wearing his friend’s jersey.

“Unbelievable,” an announcer said after Dee’s home run. “Just unbelievable his eyes wet with emotion as he rounded the bases, his first home run of the season.”  

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article said Fernandez’s blood alcohol content was less than the legal limit. His blood alcohol content was two times over the legal limit to drive.