Fernando Valenzuela, legendary Dodgers pitcher, died at 63 from septic shock due to cirrhosis on October 22, 2024. His contribution to baseball remains cherished.
Valenzuela achieved fame in 1981 with the Dodgers, sparking 'Fernandomania' and enhancing baseball's appeal in the US and Mexico.
He expanded his legacy over 22 years as a Dodgers Spanish broadcaster, reinforcing cultural connections and his profound impact.
According to Valenzuela's death certificate, cirrhosis from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was cited as a factor leading to septic shock.
Reports highlighted Valenzuela's battles with health issues such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, illustrating his personal hardships.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Valenzuela's unique pitch style and role in attracting a diverse fan base to the sport.
Fernando Valenzuela's legacy was celebrated by fans and mariachi tribute performances at a Boyle Heights mural in California.
Sergio Mendes, famed Brazilian musician, died on September 5 from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, as revealed two months later.
TMZ obtained Mendes' death certificate, revealing aspiration pneumonia and chronic lung disease exacerbated by long-term COVID struggles.
The deaths of Valenzuela and Mendes remind us of the personal challenges faced by public figures, broadening the dialogue on their legacies.
