Jose Fernandez’s death left Major League Baseball in mourning, but the shock waves were felt throughout other sports, too.
The Marlins ace died in a boating accident in Miami on Sept. 25 at the age of 24, affecting not only Fernandez’s loved ones, but the entire city. That was evident when the Miami Dolphins observed a moment of silence for him at Hard Rock Stadium, and on Tuesday, it was the Miami Heat’s turn to pay their respects.
The Heat played their first home preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets, and the team wore shooting shirts with Fernandez’s initials and number. They also began the game with a moment of silence.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed his condolences, too.
“It was a devastating blow to all of us in South Florida,” Spoelstra said Tuesday, per the Sun-Sentinel. “And our hearts go out to his family and everybody at the Marlins. It’s so tragic for a player so young.
“But we also want to acknowledge the other two gentlemen that were on that boat, as well, and their families. So really this night is to honor him, show respect to the families, but also the other two gentlemen and their families.”
