Atlanta 7/8/2011 11:00:18 PM
News / People

Texas Rangers Fan Dies Trying to Catch Ball at Game

A Texas Rangers fan died Thursday night after falling 20 feet from the outfield stands at Rangers Stadium during the second inning of the Rangers’ game against the Oakland A’s. Brownwood, Texas firefighter Shannon Stone was trying to catch a ball thrown into the stands by outfielder Josh Hamilton when he toppled over railing and landed headfirst on concrete below. A fan sitting nearby tried to grab Stone as he fell, but was unable to reach him.

The Arlington Fire Department said Stone, who was attending the game with his son, died of his injuries at a nearby hospital. "We are deeply saddened to learn that the man who fell has passed away as a result of this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Rangers President Nolan Ryan said in a statement.

The accident comes one year after another fan fell over railing while trying to catch a foul ball. Tyler Morris survived his 30 foot fall, but sustained serious injuries.

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