Fallen fan's widow still supports Hamilton, Texas

[July 14, 2011]  BROWNWOOD, Texas (AP) -- The widow of the firefighter who fell to his death at a Texas Rangers game says the team, baseball and Josh Hamilton remain precious to her and her 6-year-old son.

In a statement released Tuesday, Jenny Stone also thanked everyone who has reached out to help her family since her husband, 39-year-old Shannon Stone, died Thursday night. Among those mentioned were team president Nolan Ryan and a man who helped care for young Cooper the night his father died.

Stone lost his balance reaching for a ball thrown by Hamilton -- Cooper's favorite player -- and fell headfirst 20 feet onto concrete. He died an hour later.

Stone was remembered during ceremonies in Brownwood on Sunday and Monday. The letter was the first public comment from his widow.

[Associated Press]

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