Rangers to memorialize fan with statue

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ARLINGTON, Texas, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The Texas Rangers will erect a statue to honor a fan who fell to his death last month at Rangers Ballpark, the team said Monday.

The full-size, bronze statue will honor Shannon Stone, a firefighter who died during a game after tumbling 20 feet over an outfield railing while trying to reach a foul ball tossed to him by Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton, Rangers President Nolan Ryan said in a statement.

"We feel that this statue will be a most fitting tribute," Ryan said. "It will not only serve to honor Mr. Stone's memory but also to recognize Rangers fans and baseball fans everywhere."

The team said the statue will depict Stone and his 6-year-old son Cooper attending a Rangers game, and is expected to be in place outside the ballpark by next season.

"We continue to be appreciative of Nolan Ryan and the Texas Rangers as we deal with the loss of Shannon," Stone's widow Jenny said in the statement. "Shannon and Cooper had a special relationship, and we are touched and grateful that it will be memorialized at one of their favorite places."