Man dies after falling out of stands trying to catch ball; 8-year-old son left alone [Video]

A Texas Rangers fan died after falling about 20 feet from the stands, head first, while trying to catch a foul ball tossed to him by a player yesterday. The man’s 8-year-old son was left alone in the stands.

The Brownwood (Texas) Bulletin identified the man as Shannon Stone, a lieutenant in that town’s fire department and a fireman for 18 years.

The accident happened in the second inning after Oakland’s Conor Jackson hit a foul ball that bounced back onto the field, according to Yahoo Sports blog.

Stone lost his balance and tumbled over the outfield railing as he tried to catch the ball tossed to him by outfielder Josh Hamilton. Another fan tried to catch Stone but he was too late.

Athletics Reliever Brad Ziegler was in tears after the game when he found out the man died. “They had him on a stretcher. He said, ‘Please check on my son. My son was up there by himself.’ The people who carried him out reassured him. ‘Sir, we’ll get your son, we’ll make sure he’s OK,”‘ Ziegler said.

“A man goes to a ballgame with his son — it’s the ultimate American experience — and he dies trying to catch a ball,” wrote sportswriter David Brown on Yahoo sports blog.

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Comment by rob shannon on July 11, 2011 at 3:24am: damn fool

Comment by Jerry Brooks on July 11, 2011 at 3:13am: This is truly a Tragedy of large proportions as this young boy had to watch his Father die in attempting to catch a ball most likely for his Son. I can only imagine how Josh Hamilton feels regarding throwing the ball to Mr. Stone and wishes he never made the attempt in the first place. I am sure Base ball will outlaw the throwing of baseballs in the stands unless it is on field level; this is the only way I feel that will eliminate this from happening again! May God Bless the family of Mr. Stone and especially the little boy.

Comment by Kristelle Ross on July 10, 2011 at 9:03am: sad!

Comment by princess on July 9, 2011 at 8:12pm: How Sad!

Comment by MISS SEXY FOR YOU 43 on July 9, 2011 at 7:57pm: oh no

Comment by Ali Rowe on July 9, 2011 at 5:04pm: This is oh so sad!!!!!

Comment by Janice Parker on July 9, 2011 at 2:44pm: So sad...my Heart and Prayers go out to the little boy and his family....God comfort and protect them. I hope they make the stands safer for the fans.

Comment by K.A.B. on July 9, 2011 at 2:15pm: Guarantee that will stop players throwing balls to fans in stands that aren't on the ground level

Comment by Simmy Rodney on July 9, 2011 at 8:35am: David Shamach in this particular situation, if u don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all. Your energy in negative right now. Where is the sympathy, the concern and support for this 8 year old child. He's now fatherless u ass. Shannon Stone was trying to be an hero for his son by catching that ball. I'm sure he wasn't thinking about falling. You r the dumbass for being so insensitive. RIP Shannon Stone.

Comment by One Love on July 9, 2011 at 6:00am: @David shamach is always about negative talk. Boy you trying to sound like a preacher but a negative one.
This man underestimated the throw and reached for a ball for his son.
You never make a mistake. Ok Mr perfect.

The family will sue and they will make some changes either to never throw the ball in the stand or make the stands safer.
David shamach work on a positive mind. You sound like an braying ass.