MIAMI – Relatives of two men who were killed early Sunday in a boating accident with Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez are planning the victims' funeral services.
Eduardo Rivero's mother and sister spent Monday morning making arrangements.
Rivero's friends and relatives told Local 10 News reporter Layron Livingston that he was a genuine friend to those in his life, even up to the end.
"His friend needed him and he went to go support his friend, and he died being a friend," Rivero's cousin, Aileen Victoria, said. "He died being a really good friend."
Victoria said her cousin was always there for anyone who needed anything. She said they grew up together and were more like brother and sister.
"(He was a) good son, good nephew, good grandson. He was amazing," she said.
Victoria said her cousin "Eddy" and his friend, Emilio Macias, were also like brothers. The two graduated together from G. Holmes Braddock High School and went to be with Fernandez on Saturday night.
All three of their bodies were pulled from Government Cut.
Rivero's friends said Fernandez was stressed out about something and needed to blow off steam on the water.
They said Rivero messaged another friend and was hesitant about going out on the boat, but went anyway to keep Fernandez close to shore.
One of Rivero's last texts to a friend was: "Trust me. It's not my time."
Rivero's girlfriend spoke to Livingston on the phone.
"He was a good friend and person," she said. "He taught me how to be strong and good. Most importantly, he put everyone before himself. That's who he was."
"I just miss him a lot and I would do anything to bring him back if I could," Victoria said.
The Miami-Dade Police Department offered its condolences to Macias' family in a statement. Macias' father is a detective with the department.
"The Miami-Dade Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to the family for their unexpected and tragic loss. His law enforcement family is with him during these difficult times," the statement read.
GoFundMe pages have been set up to help with funeral expenses for both Macias and Rivero.
