Marlins fans gathered in Miami to say goodbye to Jose Fernandez.
The superstar pitcher was killed in a boating crash early Sunday morning just off Miami Beach.
The hearse carrying his body made its way through the streets of Miami Wednesday before arriving at St. Brendan Catholic Church for a public viewing.
“It’s extremely sad,” says fan Iliana Diaz. “You know, you can't express with your own words what all these people are feeling right now.”
The line was seemingly endless at the church Wednesday night.
Fans young and old came out for the visitation.
“This is a real example of what he was for us,” Diaz says.
The day was one filled with emotion
A massive crowd gathered outside of Marlins Park, as fans and players surrounded Fernandez's hearse.
“He meant so much to the game of baseball, and he meant so much obviously to this community,” says fan Jake Spiwak.
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As the flowers and well wishes grew next to his memorial wall, fans reflected on Fernandez's legacy, especially within Miami’s large Cuban community.
“Seeing him make it, and pretty much live the American dream, even if for only a short time…that just speaks volumes to what anybody can do,” says Fernandez fan Louis Agudelo.
The sentiment Wednesday was a mix of loss and sadness but also one of gratitude.
That feeling was shared by Agudelo.
“If he’s watching from somewhere, if he’s tuning in, thank you for what you’ve done for us.”