Coroners in Denver are still awaiting results of lab test done on San Francisco 49ers lineman Thomas Herrion.Following Herrion’s touchdown drive during the Aug. 20 contest against Denver Broncos, he collapsed in the locker room.
He was later pronounced dead at a Denver Hospital. Herrion was buried last Saturday at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, his hometown. There was roughly 1,000 mourners gathered to say goodbye to Herrion.
Thirty members of the 49ers organization attended the ceremonies. The team had its own memorial services earlier to honor him.
“He was kind of dear to me,” said Jeremy Newberry, a two-time Pro Bowl player. “The guy was a hard worker. I never heard him complain about anything. He always wanted to do better. We lost a special person.”
Herrion was a captain on the football team while at school in Utah. They also acknowledged Herrion’s death by pushing back practice, scheduling a moment of silence for their season opener and they will wear black decals with the number 76. The 49ers will also wear decals with number 72 on the back of their helmets this season.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said that this situation was an eye opener. “It puts things in perspective real quick. It makes it very obvious that football is a very minor part of the big scheme of things.”
49ers Assistant Head Coach Mike Singletary said that “Thomas lived a life we can all aspire to and learn from.”
The 49ers foundation will honor the memory of Herrion with a scholarship fund in his name. Donations can be made through the 49ers foundation website at www.49ers.com.
The scholarship fund is in keeping with Herrion’s desire to help children. He had planned to pursue a career as a counselor following football.
The 49ers will also have an award giving out in Herrion’s name. Starting next year the award will be giving to the rookie who shows the dedication that Herrion showed during his career.