The passing of Fernando Valenzuela has left a deep sense of loss among baseball fans. The legendary and iconic number 34 of the Los Angeles Dodgers passed away on October 22 at the age of 63. Since Valenzuela’s hospitalization in Los Angeles, his family had requested privacy, leaving the specifics of his medical condition undisclosed.

Why Did Fernando Valenzuela Pass Away?

 Initially, various reports suggested liver issues as a possible cause of death. However, on November 12, further details about the cause of death were leaked. According to a TMZ report that accessed the pitcher’s death certificate, Valenzuela died due to septic shock. He was also suffering from decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis.

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection in an organ spreads into the bloodstream, affecting blood pressure, breathing, and mental functions. In this state, the body experiences severe oxygen deprivation, which leads to organ failure.

Additionally, the former pitcher suffered from cirrhosis, a progressive liver disease, presenting in two forms: decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis, associated with fatty liver and not linked to alcohol use, but with similar effects.

In his later years, Valenzuela remained a part of the Dodgers family, working as a radio broadcaster. Despite his health issues, he showed no signs of another condition posthumously diagnosed: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare degenerative disorder that affects cognitive and motor functions.

On November 6, his family and fans bid him farewell at a funeral mass, where his son shared a heartfelt tribute, honoring the greatness of an icon who will live on in the hearts of his fans.