Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela‘s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Maren Angus-Coombs | Nov 13, 2024

Sandy Hooper-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela died of septic shock, according to his death certificate. 

Valenzuela passed away last month at 63, and TMZ obtained his death certificate on Tuesday. The document listed decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis as contributing factors in the former pitcher’s passing.

TMZ also reported that the medical examiner suspected Valenzuela had been affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare brain disorder.

Valenzuela died on Oct. 22, just a few weeks after stepping away from the broadcast booth and days before the Dodgers began their World Series run. The team wore a patch with his No. 34 throughout the postseason.

New details surrounding the heartbreaking death of Fernando Valenzuela have come to light, via @TMZ

Valenzuela was honored by the Dodgers community on his birthday the same day as the World Series parade. May he rest in blue paradise 💙🙏https://t.co/4R5iXQt6KU

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 13, 2024

Following his passing, Dodgers fans have come together to honor the legendary pitcher who held a special place in the hearts of Angelenos, particularly within the Latino community.

A spontaneous memorial sprang up outside Dodger Stadium, where fans left blue-and-white flowers and displayed his iconic No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers, who retired his number the previous year, paid tribute to his memory before Game 1 of the World Series, just three days after his death.

Valenzuela was among the most impactful players in MLB history. He spent 11 seasons as a pitcher for the Dodgers and became an iconic figure in the sport. The team retired his No. 34 jersey last year.

A striking mural in Boyle Heights that honors legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is now complete. 💙

Artist Robert Vargas completed his tribute to the late Dodgers great over the weekend. He says the mural is an altar, just as much as it is a celebration of a wonderful… pic.twitter.com/jR2UvVffRZ

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) November 11, 2024

Valenzuela's MLB career spanned 17 seasons, including stints with the Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres, and Cardinals after his time with the Dodgers.

He claimed his first of two Silver Slugger awards in 1981, the same year he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series victory.

Valenzuela finished his career with 173 wins, 2,074 strikeouts, and a 3.54 ERA. After retiring as a player, he served as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers for 22 years, stepping down in September to prioritize his health.