Former teammates, teachers, staff, and friends held a vigil at Alonso High School, Wednesday evening, to honor the memory of Jose Fernandez.
Fernandez played for the baseball team at the high school. Later he went on to play for the Miami Marlins. Wednesday night people remembered his fun personality and undeniable talent.
"Playing baseball to him was a joy," former Alonso HS teammate, Michael Fahrman, said.
Fernandez was tragically killed, over the weekend, in a boating accident. He and two friends died when his 32-foot boat crashed into rocks near Miami Beach.
"(I was) definitely numb at first. (I) didn't want to believe it when I first heard it," Fahrman said.
Hundreds of people gathered at the baseball field to remember his legacy and share their memories about him.
"He was proud to be an American. (He was) happy to sing our national anthem because here he experienced the freedom to be what he wanted to be and live out his dream (to) play ball and be free," one speaker said.
