Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passed away last month, just before the team won the 2024 World Series. The cause of his death was revealed to be septic shock, with underlying causes including decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was also listed as a contributing factor. Valenzuela was just 63 years old and had recently stepped away from his broadcasting duties with the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed septic shock as the immediate cause of Valenzuela’s death, attributing it to organ malfunction and dangerously low blood pressure levels. This condition is not uncommon in the U.S., with at least 350,000 people dying from it each year. Valenzuela’s illness was also described as a rapidly progressing brain disorder, further complicating his health issues.
Valenzuela was a well-known figure in the baseball world, having won the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981. He helped lead the Dodgers to World Series victories during his career, which spanned 17 years. In addition to playing for the Dodgers, he also pitched for several other teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.
The news of Valenzuela’s cause of death shocked fans and the sports community at large. Many were hopeful that he would return to his broadcasting duties with the Dodgers during the World Series, but his untimely passing cut short those plans. Valenzuela’s contributions to baseball and the Dodgers franchise will always be remembered, as he was a key player in their championship victories.
Fox News and The Associated Press provided additional reporting on Valenzuela’s passing and the details surrounding his cause of death. The sports world mourned the loss of a true legend, with fans and fellow athletes paying tribute to Valenzuela’s impact on the game. His legacy will continue to live on through his accomplishments and the memories he created for baseball fans around the world.
As the sports world continues to mourn the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, his impact on baseball and the Dodgers franchise will never be forgotten. His cause of death, septic shock, along with underlying health issues, serves as a testament to the fragility of life. Valenzuela’s legacy as a talented pitcher and beloved broadcaster will endure, as fans and players alike honor his memory and contributions to the sport.
