He was more than just a pitcher. To an entire generation of baseball fans, especially in Los Angeles and across Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela was a cultural phenomenon that felt almost immortal. When the news broke in late 2024 that the man who sparked "Fernandomania" had passed away, the sports world stopped. Naturally, everyone started asking the same question: how did fernando die and why did it happen so suddenly?
The truth is a bit heavier than a simple headline. Valenzuela was 63. That’s young. Especially for a guy who looked like he still had so much life to give to the game he loved.
The Silence Before the News
For weeks leading up to his death, there were whispers. You might remember him stepping away from the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast booth right before the postseason kicked off. Fans noticed. People get sick, sure, but Fernando was a staple. His absence felt like a void. The team put out a very brief statement saying he was stepping away to focus on his health, but they didn't give specifics.
Privacy is a big deal for the Valenzuela family. They didn't want a media circus.
When he finally passed on October 22, 2024, at a hospital in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner eventually released some details that painted a clearer, albeit heartbreaking, picture. It wasn't just one thing. It was a combination of health issues that hit him all at once.
Understanding the Medical Cause: What Really Happened
So, let's get into the specifics. According to the medical reports, the primary cause of death was septic shock.
That’s a terrifying term. Basically, it’s a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection. But what led to that? The report also listed "decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis" as a significant underlying factor.
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It’s a lot to process.
Specifically, the records mentioned he suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease as a contributing factor as well. If you aren't familiar with CJD, it's a rare, degenerative, and fatal brain disorder. It’s incredibly aggressive. It moves fast. One day you’re fine, and the next, your neurological functions are rapidly declining.
Breaking Down the Complications
- Septic Shock: This was the immediate trigger. The body's immune system overreacts to an infection, causing organ failure.
- Liver Cirrhosis: This indicates long-term liver damage where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
- CJD: This is the "wild card" that many didn't see coming. It explains why his decline seemed so rapid and why he had to leave the broadcast booth so abruptly.
Honestly, it’s a lot for one person to fight. When you have a compromised liver and then a neurological condition like CJD enters the mix, the body just runs out of ways to compensate.
The Impact on the Dodgers and the World
The timing was surreal. He died just days before the Dodgers were set to face the New York Yankees in the World Series. Talk about a gut punch. The 1981 World Series—the one where Fernando became a legend—was also Dodgers vs. Yankees.
The stadium felt different during Game 1. They had his number, 34, painted on the mound. Every player wore a patch. It wasn't just a ceremony; it felt like a wake for the soul of Los Angeles baseball.
People often forget how much pressure was on him. In 1981, he was the only player to ever win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season. He wasn't built like a typical athlete. He had that high leg kick, he looked up to the heavens before every pitch, and he threw a screwball that felt like magic.
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Misconceptions About His Health
There was a lot of junk floating around social media when he first went into the hospital. Some people were speculating about crazy conspiracies. Some thought it was just "old age" or a sudden heart attack.
It’s important to stick to the facts here. The medical examiner’s report is the definitive source. While it’s hard to hear about things like cirrhosis or CJD, it provides the closure fans needed. It explains why a man who seemed so sturdy could fade away in a matter of weeks.
He had lost a significant amount of weight in the months prior. If you look at photos of him from earlier in the 2024 season compared to the end, the change was jarring. That weight loss is often a primary symptom of both advanced liver issues and the rapid onset of CJD.
The Legacy of the Screwball
We should talk about that pitch for a second. The screwball is notorious for ruining arms. While his pitching style didn't "cause" his death, the physical toll of his career was something he carried with pride. He pitched 147 complete games. Think about that. Modern pitchers barely go six innings. Fernando would stay out there until the job was done.
He was a workhorse. That same "never quit" attitude is likely how he approached his health struggles—quietly, privately, and with a lot of grit.
What We Can Learn from This Tragedy
Looking at how did fernando die, there are some takeaways that go beyond just baseball.
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First, liver health is subtle. Cirrhosis doesn't always scream for attention until it's "decompensated," which basically means the liver can no longer perform its functions. Regular checkups are everything.
Second, rare diseases like CJD are reminders of how little we sometimes know about the brain. There is no cure for CJD. It’s a devastating diagnosis for any family to receive.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Supporters
If you want to honor Fernando's memory, don't just watch old highlights of him striking out batters in '81.
- Support Liver Health Research: Organizations like the American Liver Foundation do incredible work. Cirrhosis affects millions, and early detection changes lives.
- Raise Awareness for CJD: Because it’s so rare, it doesn't get much funding. The CJD Foundation helps families navigate the nightmare of this disease.
- Check in on Your Legends: If you have the means, support the youth baseball programs in East L.A. or Mexico. Fernando’s real legacy wasn't his stats; it was the fact that he made a whole demographic of people feel like they belonged in the stadium.
Fernando Valenzuela didn't just play for the Dodgers; he was the Dodgers. His death was a complicated medical event, but his life was a simple story of greatness. He came from a small town in Sonora, Mexico, and conquered the biggest stage in the world.
He died because his body finally gave out after a series of brutal health complications, but in the streets of Los Angeles, "El Toro" isn't going anywhere. His mural is still on the walls. His jersey is still on the backs of kids who weren't even born when he retired.
To truly respect his journey, focus on the health issues that took him too soon. Take care of your own liver health, stay informed about neurological symptoms, and never take for granted the people who make life feel a little bit more like a miracle.
Rest in peace, Number 34. The mound will never look the same without you.
Next Steps for Readers
- Review the signs of liver stress: Fatigue, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss are major red flags that require a doctor's visit.
- Learn about CJD: Visit the CJD Foundation website to understand the symptoms of rapid cognitive decline.
- Support the Valenzuela Legacy: Consider donating to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, which continues many of the community projects Fernando cared about.