Josh Hancock lost in car crash, Game cancelled.

Mary1966 · Post by **Mary1966** » April 29 07, 1:50 pm

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/b ... ml?cnn=yes

From SI's article:

News of Hancock's death began to circulate around the majors on Sunday morning. Seattle Mariners pitcher Jeff Weaver, who won the World Series clincher for St. Louis in October, got a call from Cardinals reliever Randy Flores.

"I never really had a phone call like that before. It's kind of mind-boggling. Just a few days ago I had talked to him on the phone, touching base again because we were pretty good friends at the time," Weaver said. "We spent a lot of time together. It was just hard to believe."

Weaver said Hancock called him three or four days ago just to chat, and asked if Weaver had received his World Series ring yet.

Da Rocket Sauce · Post by **Da Rocket Sauce** » April 29 07, 1:54 pm

this is horrible, sorry guys.

Phyrkrakr · Post by **Phyrkrakr** » April 29 07, 1:59 pm

StL Dan wrote:
planet pujolsian wrote:
StL Dan wrote:
planet pujolsian wrote:OMG, they just showed pictures of his Explorer on CNN. Trust me, you don't want to see them.
I'm speechless with regard to how this actually happened. Does anyone know how he managed to find himself driving on the shoulder?
From reports, the tow truck wasn't on the shoulder (there is no shoulder on that stretch of highway), he was in the left hand lane, cleaning up a prior accident.
What highway/street was he on?

Highway 40 near Compton Ave. That's just east of Grand, about halfway between Grand and Jefferson, if you know St. Louis. On the east end of SLU, basically. The road is only three lanes there I believe, and there's no shoulder on the inside (left) lane.

Edit: The press conference is on Channel 5 right now.

Joe Wells · Post by **Joe Wells** » April 29 07, 2:00 pm

FSN MW has coverage starting now.

Edit-
Jocketty choked up.
Funeral Thurs. in Tupelo, MS.

Tony giving Josh props for yesterday's game and in general.
"This is brutal to go through"

Joe Mokwa-
<jeez they showed pics- I can't look>
Not excessive speed
No evidence of alcoholic containers
Tow truck driver said that Josh tried to swerve at last moment.

Elphie15 · Post by **Elphie15** » April 29 07, 2:05 pm

Walt looks like he's gonna lose it.

Phyrkrakr · Post by **Phyrkrakr** » April 29 07, 2:16 pm

Details per WJ, who was obviously broken up: They're wearing a patch starting tomorrow, there will be a commemorative sign in the bullpen, and the team is going to try to charter a plane to Tupelo, Miss. for the funeral on Thursday.

Tony: Josh was a part of the family, he didn't really know anyone in St. Louis outside of the club (my note: he lived in St. Louis year round, was single). Hancock took the tough assignments and was always willing to be that guy. Everyone respected him for doing whatever was asked willingly and to the best of his ability. This situation is "brutal" on the team, Hancock was a well liked guy and everyone who was there when Kile passed knows how trying this can be on the club.

Police chief: 12:35 AM, westbound on 40. Just before the Grand exit, a tow truck was stopped to help with an accident that had just occurred. Cops were on the way, but hadn't arrived yet. Doesn't look like he was speeding, but that'll have to wait on accident reconstruction. No evidence of driving under the influence yet (no beer cans, or anything). Driver says that Hancock came up behind him, tried to avoid him at the last, but didn't make it. It was a big truck (26,000 lb flatbed) and the driver was inside.

From me: This is a tragedy that is just impossible to fathom right now. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around it yet, but his family and friends are foremost in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Josh.

ZigZagCardsFan · Post by **ZigZagCardsFan** » April 29 07, 2:18 pm

R.I.P. Josh Hancock. Prayers to his family.

I can't think of anything else to say.

JCShutout · Post by **JCShutout** » April 29 07, 2:20 pm

Phyrkrakr wrote:Details per WJ, who was obviously broken up: They're wearing a patch starting tomorrow, there will be a commemorative sign in the bullpen, and the team is going to try to charter a plane to Tupelo, Miss. for the funeral on Thursday.

Tony: Josh was a part of the family, he didn't really know anyone in St. Louis outside of the club (my note: he lived in St. Louis year round, was single). Hancock took the tough assignments and was always willing to be that guy. Everyone respected him for doing whatever was asked willingly and to the best of his ability. This situation is "brutal" on the team, Hancock was a well liked guy and everyone who was there when Kile passed knows how trying this can be on the club.

Police chief: 12:35 AM, westbound on 40. Just before the Grand exit, a tow truck was stopped to help with an accident that had just occurred. Cops were on the way, but hadn't arrived yet. Doesn't look like he was speeding, but that'll have to wait on accident reconstruction. No evidence of driving under the influence yet (no beer cans, or anything). Driver says that Hancock came up behind him, tried to avoid him at the last, but didn't make it. It was a big truck (26,000 lb flatbed) and the driver was inside.

From me: This is a tragedy that is just impossible to fathom right now. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around it yet, but his family and friends are foremost in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Josh.

Thanks for the recap.

Until I hear differently I'm going to assume that he was ether looking at his phone, radio/ipod, directions (etc.) or had dozed at the wheel.

Something any one of us could get into an accident doing.

StL Dan · Post by **StL Dan** » April 29 07, 2:24 pm

It was comforting and classy to see Andy Benes break away from personal time to come into the studio and discuss the situation following the press conference.

Thanks, Andy.

Swatcat27 · Post by **Swatcat27** » April 29 07, 2:28 pm

Rest in peace, Josh.
After all said & done, this is just a game but in life, no-one deserves to die so young...My thoughts & prayers go to his family. May they draw strength & courage from above to cope with this tragic loss.