Little Boy Throws First Pitch At Game In Honor Of Father Killed In Nepal Helicopter Crash
LAKE ELSINORE (CBSLA.com) — A young boy threw out the first pitch at a baseball game in Riverside County in honor of his father, a Marine who died in a helicopter crash in Nepal.
The Lake Elsinore Storm baseball game Friday night was in honor of Sgt. Eric Seaman of Murrieta, who was killed this month while on a relief mission in Nepal after the devastating earthquakes.
An image of Seaman was printed on his son Roman's shirt as he tossed out the first pitch before the game.
"Going to Nepal was supposed to be a piece of cake. He would've been home," said Brandi McCormick, Seaman's sister-in-law.
McCormick said Seaman was supposed to return to his family next week.
"And honestly, how many people are going to be able to say they've died doing what they love?" she asked.
Seaman's young daughter, Ryleigh, was also in the stands.
His widow, Samantha Seaman, who couldn't be present, watched from a cellphone as six doves were released.
Seaman's military colleagues were also in attendance, and the community wrote condolences on a huge banner for the family.
"He was a great Marine, one of the best, most qualified crew chiefs," Staff Sgt. Joseph Sanchez said.
Seaman was among six Marines killed in the May 12 crash during the humanitarian mission.