A family spokesperson released a statement saying 51-year-old Sean Copeland and his son, 11-year-old Brodie Copeland, were vacationing in France when they were killed.
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(From l.) Sean Copeland of Texas with his daughter Maegan, sons Brodie and Austin, and wife Kimberly.
“We are heartbroken and in shock over the loss of Brodie Copeland, an awesome son and brother who lit up our lives, and Sean Copeland, a wonderful husband and father”, according to a statement from the Copeland family. “They’re grieving. They need all the love and support of our American family as they grapple with an unimaginable loss and try to get through what are going to be very hard days”.
“This is an extremely hard time for my family and anyone who knows Sean and Brodie Copeland”. Brodie recently completed fifth grade at Lakeway Elementary School, where he was in the honor choir and active in athletics, Principal Sam Hicks said in a statement. Brodie had also played Michael Darling in “Peter Pan” and Daddy Warbucks in “Annie”.
Copeland worked for Lexmark Corporation, where he was vice president of North and South America for Lexmark’s Kapow Software Division.
Sean Copeland was listed as a team administrator on another team web page.
“Sean was genuine, honest, caring, and fiercely loyal to his employees”, he said.
The Copelands are from Lakeway, Texas, about 30 miles west of Austin.
A GoFund me page has been set up for the Copeland family. They were among a flock of people gathered on the seafront for Bastille Day fireworks when an unidentified driver plowed into them with a truck hauling grenades and other weapons, according to Alyssa Weaver, the elder Copeland’s niece. You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
Tejanos Baseball 11u would like to give our condolences to the Copeland family as well as the Hill Country organization. “We strongly urge USA citizens in Nice to be in direct contact with your family members in the United States and elsewhere to advise them of your safety”. In memory of Brodie, the boys will have HC stickers with the #8 to stick on their helmets.
Brodie has been described as a small child with a big personality. “We spent a couple of hours at the graffiti wall last night in downtown Austin”.
A teacher and two students from Berlin were also feared to have been killed after German officials confirmed they were missing.
In some ways, Sean Copeland’s life revolved around his youngest son’s many interests. On Friday morning, she wrote on Twitter: “I just want my cousin and uncle back”.
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“Brodie is just a one-of-a-kind kid”, said Aaron Cable, head of player development for the Hill Country Baseball Club, through a family spokeswoman.
