American father, 11-year-old son die in attack in Nice

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KXAN – NICE, France (KXAN) — A Texas father and son were among the 84 who died in the deadly attack on Nice during Bastille Day celebrations.

A family spokesperson released a statement saying 51-year-old Sean Copeland and 11-year-old Brodie Copeland were vacationing in France when they were killed. They were traveling with Copeland's wife and two other children.

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"We are heartbroken and in shock over the loss of Brodie Copeland, an amazing son and brother who lit up our lives, and Sean Copeland, a wonderful husband and father. They are so loved," said the family.

Sean and Brodie were killed when a truck loaded with weapons and hand grenades drove onto a sidewalk for more than a mile. The driver plowed through Bastille Day revelers who gathered to watch fireworks in Nice late Thursday in what some officials and eyewitnesses called a deliberate attack.

"It was a devastating feel, it took me a while to sink in. I called some people to confirm to make sure what I had read had actually happened," said family friend Jason Dixon. "Every time we were around, [Brodie's] attitude and personality were infectious and it rolled off on me as an adult and obviously the kids, but he was a natural at youth sports."

Hill County Baseball posted on Facebook sharing their condolences for the passing of Sean and Brodie. "Nobody deserves this type of fate, especially not such a wonderful family," states the post.

This evening we would like to ask that the HC family keep the Copelands in your prayers. This afternoon our very own...

Posted by Hill Country Baseball on Thursday, July 14, 2016