By KERA News Room
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – Family of Rangers Fan Who Died Thanks Supporters
The family of the man who died at yesterday's Texas Rangers baseball game has thanked people for their support. Shannon Stone died Thursday night at a hospital. He was at the game with his 6-year-old son. The 39-year-old was reaching for a foul ball tossed to him by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton when he tumbled over an outfield railing and plunged 20 feet onto concrete. The firefighter from Brownwood died at a hospital a short time later. In addition to his son, he's survived by his 36-year-old wife. A friend released a statement on behalf of the family Friday that says they are devastated by the tragedy. The family also asked for privacy. Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan says grief counseling has been made available to players. Ryan spoke with the firefighter's widow by telephone and says Jenny Stone told him that "she's very concerned about her son and the impact that this is having on him."
Governor Rebuffs Critics
Gov. Rick Perry is rebuffing criticism from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others for allowing Texas to move forward with the execution of a Mexican man. The man's lawyers said he never was informed he could have sought legal help from the Mexican government after he was arrested for the murder of a San Antonio teenager. Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger said Friday someone who commits the most heinous crimes in Texas can expect the ultimate penalty. Humberto Leal was put to death Thursday evening in Huntsville for a gruesome attack in 1994 that left a 16-year-old San Antonio girl dead. Clinton's spokeswoman says she is disappointed with the punishment. A top United Nations official in Geneva also has expressed dismay, saying the U.S. broke international law.
Governor Perry Appoints Smitherman
Governor Perry has appointed Barry Smitherman to an open seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Smitherman, chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, will fill the seat left open by Michael Williams, who resigned to run for Congress.