6p.m. story script
The flag overlooking the Liberty University football field flies at half staff. Across town at Lynchburg College, another flag hangs low. The two campuses, five miles apart, mourn one man.
"We've lost a great professor.", says LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr..
Jeff Taylor taught Health Sciences and Kinesiology at LU. His son, Jeff Taylor, Jr. Plays baseball for Lynchburg College. That's where the tragic accident took place.
It was a beautiful afternoon on Fox Field and the Taylor's were doing what any father and son would be doing on a beautiful day, playing ball.
It's where flowers now rest on the pitcher's mound. Where we're told Jeff Sr. Was hit by a line drive.
"He said initially that he was ok. So he talked and shortly thereafter collapsed.", says LC Vice President and Dean for Student Development John Eccles.
LC EMD tried to help but Taylor didn't respond. Eccles says four other teammates were also on the field, where they were used to seeing Jeff Jr.'s dad.
"Jeff Sr. was one of those guys who was always there. He was at every game and and a lot of practices.", says Eccles.
Over at Liberty, they break the news to students at morning convocation. Falwell got a call from LC's president Wednesday night.
"I could hear the hurt in his voice and the same thing happened over here.", says Falwell.
Taylor was pronounced dead at Lynchburg General Hospital. Lynchburg Police tell us they were not on the scene but are talking to witnesses. They say they believe this was an accident but do not know if there will be an autopsy.
Taylor's family will receive friends from 6-8p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Service in Lynchburg. Taylor's funeral is Saturday at 10a.m. at Heritage United Methodist Church, also in Lynchburg.
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