Horrible news to wake up to this morning. Especially since I watched him dominate the Nationals just a few days ago. He is so beloved in Miami. He was not born in Miami but he may as well have been because of the large Cuban community in Miami. Think Iginla after his first 50 goal season (also at age 24) and you will get a sense of Fernandez's popularity in Miami prior to his death.
This is even more shocking than Oscar Taveras' death a few years ago as Oscar was only a prospect (and a very fine one at that), while Fernandez was a bonafide ace and stud. It's probably even more shocking than Lyman Bostock's death, I think. The only thing comparable I can think of right now, in terms of a superstar athlete's untimely death, is maybe Roberto Clemente. What would be the closest analogue for hockey? Pelle Lindbergh, maybe?
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