Loved ones have been in and out of all day, paying their respects to the Jose Fernandez's family- not a dry eye leaving the house. The star player had an entire life ahead of him and just recently announced he was going to be a father before he was tragically killed in a boating accident Sunday.
Miami Marlins players shared hugs and tears outside Fernandez's family home after offering their condolences to his loved ones.
"We're trying to support the family trying to give them a little bit of concerns about how much we love Jose and how much we love the family, because we are a family," said Marlins player Miguel Rojas.
Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Fernandez took many risks to play in the major leagues. He made 4 attempts to defect to the United States and at age 15, he arrived after a dangerous journey out at sea where he rescued his mother from drowning.
In 2013 the Marlins arranged for his grandmother, Olga Fernandez, to visit and she surprised him with an emotional reunion.
On Sunday, the pitcher's grandmother Olga Fernandez broke down in tears saying this is the hardest hit she's received in her life.
Fernandez called abuela the love of his life and credited her for inspiring him to become a baseball player.
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Family and friends walked in and out of the home all day mourning the loss of someone they call amazing both on and off the field. He was an active board member for the Live Like Bella Foundation and always lent a helping hand.
Raymond Rodriguez-Torres, with the Live Like Bella Foundation, said Fernandez was always available for the children with cancer and the foundation is devastated by this terrible news.
"He just really wanted to make a difference," Shannah Rodriguez-Torres, Live Like Bella, said. "He was a great person."
Today was pediatric cancer awareness day at Marlins Park. Fernandez planned to be there to greet the kids.
But Fernandez continues to leave a positive legacy. Donations for $16 (his number) have been pouring in to the Live Like Bella foundation. One of his final tweets encouraged people to join the team and make a difference.
