Jose Fernandez
Jose FernandezCourtesy of Arturo Pardavila III

The Miami Marlins starting pitcher, Jose Fernandez, was killed Sunday in a boating accident near Miami Beach.

Fernandez, a 24-year old native of Cuba, was imprisoned following attempts to flee the communist country and resettle in Florida. He finally escaped in 2007.

According to the Associated Press, Fernandez was one of three killed around 3:00 a.m. local time on Sunday in a boating accident near South Pointe Park in Miami Beach.

Todd Garofalo, chief of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, told WSVN that all three individuals involved in the accident were found dead at the scene.

“They found a boat that was up against the jetties. They did do an initial search and they found three victims: two on top of the water, one underneath the boat and they had unfortunately passed away.”

The Miami Marlins’ game against the Atlanta Braves, scheduled for Sunday, was cancelled following news of the accident.

“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time,” the team said in a statement.