While the death of Jose Fernandez continues to be a tragic story, a toxicology report revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when his boat crashed into a jetty. The other passengers on the boat, Emilio Jesus Macias and Eduardo Rivero, were also under the influence when the crash occurred over a month ago. The trio all died as a result from the crash.
The toxicology report states that Fernendez blood alcohol concentration was at 0.147, almost double the legal limit, which is .08 in Florida. The report also stated that traces of cocaine were found in Rivero, while both Macias and Rivero had below legal limits of alcohol in their blood.
In the initial report, no drugs or alcohol were found at the scene of the crash off the coast of Miami Beach at around 3:30 am on September 25th. The official cause of death for all three passengers was reported as blunt-force injuries, not the initial report of drowning. Fernandez’s autopsy stated that he suffered from several facial lacerations and broken bones, leading to brain swelling, as well as chest injuries that caused fluid buildup in the lungs.
The three were at a Miami bar hours before the accident, where they were served alcohol prior to the fatal crash. A receipt for alcohol purchased at the bar was found in the pocket of one of the boat’s passengers.
Prior to his untimely death, Fernandez was selected as the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All Star.
