Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez was on the verge of becoming a father for the first time at the time of his shocking death during this past weekend.

Several media outlets are reporting the 24-year-old Cuban star's girlfriend Carla Mendoza is expecting the couple's first child. Just days before his death, Fernandez posted a pic to his Instagram page where a clearly pregnant Mendoza proudly shows off her baby bump.

Poignant Words

The equally proud and hard-throwing right-hander captured the image, "Family first," along with the post, "I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together."

 I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst

A photo posted by Jose Fernandez (@jofez16) on Sep 19, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT

Fernandez was one of three people killed early Sunday when his boat overturned near Government Cut around Miami Beach. The Coast Guard was called to the scene just after 3 a.m. to find none of the victims wearing a life vest.

Hernandez was later pronounced dead of trauma. Authorities indicate speed may have been a factor in the deadly mishap, but there has been no evidence of drug or alcohol use.

Tributes Abound

The Marlins canceled their game Sunday against the Atlanta Braves in honor and observance of the two-time All-Star hurler. Fernandez's jersey number "16" was painted on the mound at Marlins Park and across the league teams observed a moment of silence before the start of each game.

"Sadly, the brightest lights are often the ones that extinguish the fastest,'' Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said in a statement. "Jose left us far too soon, but his memory will endure in all of us. At this difficult time, our prayers are with his mother, grandmother, family and friends.''

Marlins manager Don Mattingly broke down in tears during a somberly held press conference on Sunday, later reflecting Fernandez played the game with the "joy" of a "little boy."

All across the Major League Baseball, Fernandez was remembered as a fun-loving, free-spirit who touched all those he came into contact with.

On Sunday, fellow Cuban stars Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig along with their teams hung jerseys bearing Fernandez's number and Boston Red Soxs star David Ortiz canceled a planned pregame ceremony to celebrate his retirement for a moment of silence for the man who finally landed in the U.S. after three failed defection attempts.

Among the most memorable words Fernandez is remembered for having shared with his teammates is the quote "You were born into freedom, you don't understand freedom."