Ex-fiancee of Jose Fernandez says she was fortunate to 'love, be loved' by pitcher

Carla Mendoza grateful for spending 3 'crazy, beautiful' years with Marlins ace

MIAMI – The ex-fiancee of Jose Fernandez took to social media days after the pitcher's death to offer her condolences to those who knew him and express her gratitude to "have loved and be loved" by the Marlins ace.

"I'm fortunate enough to have loved and be loved by Jose and his family for over three crazy, beautiful years," Mendoza wrote. "Thank you so much to everyone who's reached out to me, it truly means a lot."

Recommended Videos



According to the Daily Mail, Mendoza's relatives said Mendoza, a 24-year-old nursing student, met Fernandez while she was working as a Marlins cheerleader.

Mendoza's mother, Maria Lourdes Reyes, told the Daily Mail that the former couple planned to get married in November, but began arguing about the timing.

"She wanted to get married after she graduated from nursing school in May 2017," Reyes said. "Jose said his agent didn't want him to get married until he got a new contract in two years. He just wanted to wait longer than she was willing to wait."

The couple reportedly broke up in April, and Fernandez's new girlfriend, Maria Arias, 24, became pregnant with his daughter within a month.

"Nothing will make this time easy for anyone, and if you do one thing today, let it be that you tell those close to you how much you love them," Mendoza posted on Instagram. "Not one day will pass by that I don't think about him or love him. Jose never went one moment without knowing how much support and love he had from those close to him."

Mendoza said she also feels for Arias and knows that she is also hurting.

"My heart goes out to Maria, as she is expecting his child," Mendoza wrote. "Please honor Jose's memory by respecting his daughter and her mother, as I'm sure this is all too painful for her as well."

Fernandez died Sunday after his 32-foot boat crashed into a jetty off Miami Beach.

Funerals are being held this week for Fernandez and two other men who died in the crash, Emilio Macias and Eddy Rivero.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.