Jose Fernandez, Two Others Had ‘Strong Odor of Alcohol' at Time of Boat Crash: Affidavit

Autopsy and toxicology reports are complete, but have not been released

Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and two others had a "strong odor" of alcohol at the time of the crash that killed all three last month, according to a search warrant affidavit released Wednesday.

The seven-page affidavit, prepared by an investigator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, did not say what – if any – charges could be filed in the case since boating while intoxicated and vessel homicide were listed. Fernandez is listed as the boat’s owner.

The affidavit says an associate medical examiner told the FWC investigator that "all three bodies, individually, had a strong odor of alcohol emanating from them."

The boat, named Kaught Looking, crashed into the north jetty off Government Cut shortly after 3 a.m. on September 25th. All three were declared dead at the scene. Autopsy and toxicology reports are complete, but have not been released.

The FWC investigator said the scene "is consistent with a high speed collision at a location and at a time when such speed was reckless because of the jetty and darkness," according to the affidavit.

Fernandez and 25-year-old Eduardo Rivero were seen before the crash at American Social Bar in Brickell, where they went after leaving the Coconut Grove dock where the pitcher kept his boat. Before 3 a.m., they left the restaurant with Rivero’s friend, 27-year-old Emilio Macias.

Officers from Miami Beach heard the crash and responded to the scene. The bodies of all three men were recovered by 4 a.m.

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