Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez killed in boating accident

Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

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"They found a boat that was up against the jetties," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Todd Garofalo told WSVN. "They did do an initial search and they found three victims — two on top of the water, one underneath the boat -- and they had unfortunately passed away."

According to the Associated Press, officials say Fernandez was not wearing a life vest.  The overturned boat remained in the water for several hours Sunday morning, its engine partially submerged as its nose pointed skyward, as debris from the crash was scattered over some of the large jagged rocks.

"The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez," the team said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."

Fernandez, just 24, was among the best young pitchers in baseball. After missing the bulk of the 2014 and 2015 seasons after Tommy John surgery, he had an impressive 2.89 ERA this season with a career-high 182 1/3 innings pitched. He also posted a 1.12 WHIP and a league-best 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Sunday's Marlins game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Stadium has been canceled. Fernandez's next start was scheduled to be Monday at home against the New York Mets.

Just five days ago, Fernandez shared on Instagram that he and his girlfriend, Carla Mendoza, were expecting their first child:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.