Fan who died from fall at ballpark to get statue

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (AP) - The Texas Rangers fan killed last month when he fell from the stands at Rangers Ballpark while reaching for a ball will be honored with a bronze statue at the stadium.

The Rangers announced Monday that the statue will depict Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone and his 6-year-old son Cooper at a Rangers game. The statue likely will be in place for next season outside the park’s home plate gate.

Rangers CEO and President Nolan Ryan said it’s a fitting tribute to honor Stone, who fell as he reached for a foul ball tossed his way by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

Stone’s wife, Jenny, said her family was “touched and grateful” and hoped the sculpture would be a reminder of “the importance of a family’s love _ love of each other, love of spending time together, and love of the game.”