There are heroes among us.
Steven Guy, a Texas A&M University sailor, said Roger Stone saved him and another sailor by helping them to safety.
“He is my hero,” Guy said. “He saved me. If it wasn’t for him, I would not be here.”
The group never saw Stone after he pushed the two men out of a hatch in the boat, the mariners said. Stone, the boat’s second safety officer, was found dead by the Coast Guard on Sunday afternoon.
The two men said they spent a day in open water after their vessel sank in the Gulf of Mexico.
The survivors—four university students and a safety officer—told the Coast Guard they were forced off their sailboat after it took on water and capsized early Saturday.
This was the first request that came across my desk this morning. Usually I have quite a bit of info to work with, but today all I had was basically the same article you’ve linked to. Here’s what I came up with:
SENATE PROCLAMATION
In Memory
of
Roger Stone
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Roger Stone, who died while saving the lives of his shipmates; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stone put the safety of his crew ahead of his own, ensuring that all hands escaped the sinking vessel by rushing them off the craft as it rapidly took on water; his quick thinking and heroic efforts followed in the finest traditions of seamanship; and
WHEREAS, An assistant sailing coach at Texas A&M;University at Galveston, Mr. Stone was no stranger to mishaps at sea; he and his crew had achieved a daring rescue during Texas Race Week in 2007, surrendering a commanding lead in the race to save a crew and a boat that had lost its mast; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, He was beloved by his family and friends, and he will long be remembered for his generous spirit and his many accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
PROCLAIMED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Roger Stone; and, be it further
PROCLAIMED, That a copy of this Proclamation be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate.