The saying goes, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” In the late MLB player Jose Fernandez’s case, this phrase has recently served to impair his regrettably brief yet impressive career. As previously written in an article on Fernandez’s death in the Wolfpacket by Head Sports Editor Nathan Rodriguez, Fernandez, along with two other men named Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero, died in a boating accident at Miami Beach on Sept. 25, 2016. It was initially reported that there was no evidence of alcohol or illegal drugs on the men or at the site. However, as revealed by an autopsy report obtained by USA TODAY Sports on Oct. 29, 2016, the Miami Marlin’s pitcher had cocaine and alcohol in his system during the event of the accident.

Fernandez, Macias, and Rivero were at a bar where alcohol was served to them shortly before the event of crash, and a receipt from the bar was found at the scene. Fernandez’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.147 according to the autopsy which is over the legal BAC of the state California for operating a boat, 0.08. Cocaine was also found in his system. It is worth mentioning that the two other men were under the BAC limit, but traces of cocaine were also found in their bodies. Therefore, there is a possibility, although low, that the person operating the boat was not under the influence of any drug or alcohol since the identity of the pilot of the boat is still unknown.

In his national rookie of the year performance, Jose Fernandez made two All-Star teams and had a 38-17 win/loss record in four seasons. It would be an insult to call the “rookie” a promising major league player, as his career does not indicate mere potential. However, many expected his career to reach even further heights and make the MLB Hall of Fame. His success ended abruptly after what many more considered to be a tragic and unfortunate death. Nevertheless, this accident was evidently warranted, which has taken away from his reputation of an inspiration to many. His impact on the sports world is undeniable, but, unfortunately, so is the incriminating evidence.

Heartbreakingly, Fernandez passed away after overcoming the many obstacles in reaching the superlative point of his career. However, what is more heartbreaking is the discovery of the manner and cause of his death that has made a mockery of his inspirational and impactful legacy.