Hundreds gather for funeral of Texas fan who fell

Terribly sad. Complete story at:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7648529.html

Hundreds gather for funeral of Texas fan who fell

By JAIME ARON
AP Sports Writer
The Associated Press

Monday, July 11, 2011
12:41 PM EDT

BROWNWOOD, Texas — A funeral procession is under way in Brownwood, Texas, for 39-year-old Shannon Stone, who was fatally injured trying to catch a souvenir baseball at a Texas Rangers game.

Stone's widow, Jenny, and their 6-year-old son, Cooper, walked hand-in-hand behind a fire truck carrying his casket. More than 50 emergency vehicles were part of Monday's procession.

Nearly 1,000 friends, family and well-wishers also attended a private memorial, where witnesses say Stone was remembered fondly for his kindness, love of baseball and skill as both a firefighter and a loving dad.

Stone and his son had gone to a Rangers game Thursday night and were sitting in left field when outfielder Josh Hamilton tossed a foul ball into the stands. Stone fell about 20 feet onto concrete as he caught the ball and he died a short time later.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

Hundreds of friends, family and law enforcement personnel arrived in Brownwood on Monday for the funeral of 39-year-old Shannon Stone, who fell to his death trying to catch a souvenir baseball at a Texas Rangers game.