Major League Baseball side Miami Marlins have announced the death of leading pitcher Jose Fernandez, who was killed in a boating accident.

The 24-year-old, who become an American citizen in 2015, is one of three people to have died in the crash off the coast of Miami.

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

The incident is understood to have taken place at around 3am Eastern Time, with the boat being found by the local coastguard overturned after colliding with rocks.

Fernandez made his debut for the Marlins in April 2013 and become the first pitcher to win his first 17 career home decisions.