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A father's grief: James Dungy 1987-2005

Coach's tragedy shakes Colts fans

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published December 23, 2005

	Police: Death an apparent suicide Shelton: An enormous test of a man Friends remember kindness, clowning A test of faith, and a rally to support Coach's tragedy shakes Colts fans Sorrow hits hard at Bucs headquarters Suicide warning signs Mailing address for condolences Peers, ex-players have fond memories Colts try to maintain focus What they're saying Viewing and funeral information

INDIANAPOLIS - Eva Massey sifted through the blue-and-white Indianapolis Colts merchandise at the Colts Pro Shop on Thursday, searching for the perfect gift for her husband, Gary.

He had been in a funk since hearing the news earlier in the day about the death of 18-year-old James Dungy, the son of Colts' coach Tony Dungy.

The teenager apparently committed suicide, according to sheriff's officials in Tampa.

"He's been upset all day," said Mrs. Massey, who was joined by her daughter at the downtown shop. "He's been glued to the TV."

In Indianapolis, people took the news of the Dungy tragedy hard.

"A lot of the fans are heartbroken," said Kendra Ragaland, manager at the Pro Shop, a few blocks from the RCA Dome, the home of the Colts.

"They feel for the family, you know, all season it has been a very good time."

Until last weekend, the Colts had had a perfect season, standing 13-0. As a result, the team and this Midwestern city were riding high.

Signs of the team were everywhere downtown.

Horseshoe-shaped fluorescent lights hung in many restaurant windows near the dome.

The intersection in front of the stadium is Dungy Drive and Peyton Place, a reference to quarterback Peyton Manning.

The lone loss to the San Diego Chargers was crushing, but James Dungy's death cast a pall over many fans - the Masseys included.

Like many here, they've been Colts fans "forever" and their thoughts and prayers were with the team. "I think Coach Dungy is strong enough," Mrs. Massey, 48, said.

In Indianapolis, sports is deeply personal. From the Indy 500 to the Indiana Pacers to the Colts, much of the city's identity is tied into sports.

At the mall, many of the shoppers wore Colts clothing. At the airport, Colts sweat shirts and hats were everywhere.

Fans said they empathize with Dungy, and hope the team will pull together.

"Even though this has happened, the team is still going to go out there and do well," Ragaland, 20, the pro shop manager, said.

It's an awful thing that Dungy and the team's nearly perfect season had to come the same year he lost a son, said Rick Schmidt, 42, a manager and bartender at the Slippery Noodle Inn, a bar near the stadium.

At the Whistle Stop Inn, another bar near the stadium, Dungy's loss was on the minds of many as well.

"He'll keep the team strong," said one of the men, Darnell Hill, 49. "All of the fans, we are very remorseful," said Rob Ayers, 34, adding that he thinks the fans will be even more supportive of the team. "Indiana is loud and proud, and we all stand strong."

At this, he and several friends clinked their beer bottles.

[Last modified December 23, 2005, 01:14:13]