Ozuna declined invite to Fernandez's boat the night he died

An obligation to his wife and kids prevented Miami Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna from joining friend and teammate Jose Fernandez on the late-night boat ride that cost him his life Sunday.

"That night I told (Fernandez), 'Don't go out,'" Ozuna told Andre C. Fernandez of the Miami Herald. "Everybody knew he was crazy about that boat and loved being out on the water. I told him I couldn't go out that night because I had the kids and my wife waiting for me.

"He told me if I didn't hear from him by 10 a.m. (Sunday) to call him and wake him up so he could get back to the ballpark on time for the game. I told him, 'yeah no problem, I'll call you.' I woke up Sunday and that's when I found out. I cried and cried.

"When I got (to Marlins Park) and saw everyone so serious, I just shut down. I didn't think my brother would be gone so soon."

Fernandez was one of three who died after the boat hit rocks while traveling full speed and capsized early Sunday. The 24-year-old left behind his girlfriend, who is pregnant with their daughter.

"I hope one day I get to meet his daughter and get the chance to tell her what her father was like," Ozuna said. "He loved my son and he was so excited to see his baby girl born. I was so happy for him. My brother was going to have his baby. It hurts me so much that he won't get to see her grow up."

The Marlins honored Fernandez during Monday's game, with the entire team wearing his No. 16 jersey. Owner Jeffrey Loria said the team plans to retire his number.