[Topper]

From the Associated Press:

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (March 9, 2006) AP -- Los Angeles Galaxy president and general manager Doug Hamilton died Thursday after an apparent heart attack while flying back from the team's CONCACAF Champions Cup match in Costa Rica, a spokesman for the Costa Rican airline said.

A two-time Major League Soccer Executive of the Year, Hamilton died aboard a TACA airlines flight after it left San Jose airport Thursday evening, TACA spokeswoman said Sofia Valverde said.

Hamilton, 43, was returning to the United States after Galaxy played Saprissa of Costa Rica during a second leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal Wednesday.

Hamilton joined the Galaxy four seasons ago after spending two years as executive vice president and GM of the Miami Fusion.

He previously worked for adidas America for six years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Hamilton is survived by his wife, Paige, and a 5-year-old son.


I'm just going to repeat what I said in another thread:


As most of you know, I started a thread about "my personal meeting with Doug Hamilton" in which I had just come back from Maui and he was coming back from the all-star game, and I recognized him at the luggage turnstile and introduced myself as a season ticket holder.

Doug was very friendly and personable, and even though it was obvious he was exhausted from his trip, he still took the time to listen to my simple concerns, and I believe that he acted upon my concerns.

Whatever disagreements we had with Doug, (let's face it, we'd all run a club in many different ways) he was one of us - - a guy that lived and breathed the game every day of his life.

Our condolences to his family and Doug, we will miss you.

Topper

[MikeLastort2]

Thoughts and prayers to Doug's family and friends, and to all Galaxy staff, players and fans.



R.I.P.

[Detective40oz]

Sorry to hear about this, and can't imagine the grief that people who know him are going through. Condolences to those who knew him and the whole LA Galaxy family.

[ssanchez]

My heart goes out to the family of Mr Hamilton. A man who devoted his life to the advancement of the sport we love. He died a man who wore the green and gold badge, A higher honor could not be bestowed on us. I hope we as fans and as an extention of the Galaxy family do not dissapoint him. God bless him and his family.

[Supersuperman99]

This sucks. My pryaers are with his family and the entire Gs squad. I must have seen doug pass me by at least once everytime I went to see the Gs. Man why all the good talented ones gotta go. RIP Doug

[The Cadaver]

I am sick. I can see Doug at the reserve matches at the T&F stadium, and he always had one or more really young kids - family - with him. What a tragedy. Prayers for the family.

[Jorge El Tico]

Topper, just close the thread that I'd started earlier, that way everyone will concentrate in this thread

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324064

[MaraDoyle]

Very sad news. My thoughts are with you. RIP Doug,

MD

[Beefcake]

OMG this is a shock.

Doug was a very healthy and fit 43 year old man. He'd constantly be working out with the coaches and the team. Not to mention he was a class act who treated people with dignity and respect. He had to have some kind of unnatural condition or something.

Rest in peace Doug...It was a pleasure knowing you.

[ThreeApples]

Condolences and prayers for Doug's family, and everyone at the Galaxy and HDC.