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Report: Fernandez was at Miami bar hours before fatal crash

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports

As the grieving Miami Marlins got back to the business of playing baseball Monday night, details about the boating accident that took the life of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez and his two friends Sunday continued to trickle down.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, the late 24-year-old had been at a Miami River bar, American Social Bar & Kitchen, in the hours before the fatal crash, per a statement from an unidentified manager.

"Jose Fernandez was a guest at American Social," the statement read. "We would like to extend our sincerest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families and friends who share in the loss of the three victims involved in this tragic boating accident and to the Miami Marlins organization."

It remains unclear when Fernandez left the bar - the Herald report indicates he was likely there past midnight - but after 3 a.m., a boat registered under his name plowed into a jetty off South Beach at full speed, killing all three on board. Fernandez, who was originally scheduled to pitch Sunday before being pushed back a day, died as a result of the impact and not by drowning, according to Lorenzo Veloz, an official with the Florida Wildlife Commission.

Investigators have not yet established who was driving the boat, but there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol at the scene of the crash. Toxicology reports are pending.

"The exact time of the accident is still under investigation and the operator of the vessel at the time of the accident is undetermined at this time," FWC Officer Rob Klepper said in a statement.

As the investigation wages on, Fernandez's teammates took the field with heavy hearts Monday at Marlins Park, securing an emotional, 7-3 victory over the New York Mets that featured a poignant pregame ceremony for their late star and an incredible leadoff home run from Dee Gordon.

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