Shaun Hill's father dies in accidental fall

FOXSportsDetroit.com staff
Jan. 31, 2011

Ted Hill, the father of Detroit Lions quarterback Shaun Hill, died Saturday from injuries sustained in an accidental fall.

Ted Hill was injured while he and Shaun were working on a barn, according to media and broadcast reports. He was taken to St. John’s Medical Center in Springfield, Mo., where he died late Saturday afternoon. He was 60.

Ted Hill was a resident of Parsons, Kan. The accident occurred in Springfield.

Shaun Hill was acquired by the Lions in 2010 in an offseason trade with the San Francisco 49ers with the expectation he would be the backup to Matthew Stafford.

Stafford wound up starting only three games because of injuries to his right shoulder. Hill played in 11 games, starting 10, and threw 16 touchdown passes, the most of his nine pro seasons.

Shaun Hill had to overcome injuries — a broken left forearm, then a broken index finger on his right (passing) hand. His leadership and production were vital as the Lions closed the season with a four-game winning streak to post a 6-10 record.

According to a biography provided by Carson-Walls Funeral Services, Ted Hill was a longtime educator and coach in Parsons, Kan. Shaun Hill played football at Parsons High School.

Ted Hill earned a bachelor of science degree from Fort Hays State and a master's from Pittsburg State, both Kansas schools. Most recently, he was Title III project manager at Labette Community College in Parsons.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. CT at Wesley United Methodist Church in Parsons. Funeral services are at the church at 3 p.m. Thursday.