42 Athletes That Died Before 40

NBA | February 16, 2021

Jose Fernandez

His MLB career may have only spanned four seasons, yet Jose Fernandez was as decorated as they come in the big leagues. Fernandez was named the National League’s rookie of the year and was voted onto multiple All-Star teams. He spent his entire career with the Miami Marlins and racked-up a lifetime run average of 2.58, an imposing number that shows just how consistent Fernandez was on the mound. 

Unfortunately, in 2016, just five days after playing for the Marlins, the 24-year-old hurler was killed in a boating accident that also killed two other people. After an investigation, it was painfully revealed that Fernandez has both cocaine and alcohol in his system while driving the boat.