A statue commemorating the Texas Rangers fan who died after falling over a railing at a game was unveiled Friday at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Shannon Stone, 39 was trying to catch a baseball thrown by outfielder Josh Hamilton for his 6-year-old son Cooper last July when he fell headfirst about 20 feet over the railing, reported NBC. He was pronounced dead within an hour.

The statue depicts Stone and his son wearing baseball caps and holding hands while looking at each other affectionately. The inscription reads: 'In memory of Shannon Stone and dedicated to all fans who love the game.'

Today is a celebration of spirit, family and love of the game, Rangers President Nolan Ryan said to the Washington Post. This bronze represents so many things that are good about baseball -- competition, happiness, memories -- and I think Shannon embodied what we as an organization hope for in our fans.

Sculptor Bruce Greene created the life-sized statue. Greene said it was important to finish the statue before the start of the season. The Rangers' first game is Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

Ryan said he hopes people stop by to see the statue at the Rangers Ballpark.

I hope the fans that come in look at it, remember Shannon and understand that interaction between dad and son ... and all the good things that baseball represents, he said.

Stone's family said the statue showed what the Rangers' fan believed in the most -- his son, family, friends, and having fun.

Shannon lived life to the fullest, doing the things that brought him and others joy. We hope this statue reminds people of doing just that, the family said in the statement.

Major league baseball