Jose Fernandez was intoxicated, had cocaine in system night he died
Toxicology reports reveal late Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was intoxicated and had cocaine in his system the night of his death.
Fernandez, who died at age 24 after a late-night boat crash in Miami, had a blood alcohol concentration of .147 (nearly double the legal limit) and traces of cocaine in his blood at the time of his death according to the report released by police on Saturday.
Reports earlier this week suggested Fernandez and his two friends, Emilio Jesus Macias and Eduardo Rivera, had a “strong alcohol odor” after the crash. The trio died on Sept. 25 when Fernandez’s boat crashed into the Government Cut north jetty before dawn. It remains unknown who was piloting the boat at the time of the accident.
Fernandez was seen at American Social Bar & Kitchen before the crash, and a receipt for alcohol at the bar was found in the pocket of one of the men. Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna said that Fernandez invited him to join him on the boat that night, but he declined.
It remains unclear if any charges could be brought in the case as boating homicide while intoxicated and vessel homicide are under investigation. The crash is also being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
