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Despite Team's Wishes, Woman Spreads Father's Ashes At Fenway Park

BOSTON (CBS) – When Megan Johnson's dad passed away last winter, she and her four brothers wanted to do something special with his ashes.

On Sunday, behind home plate at Fenway Park, she let some of her father's remains land on the hallowed ground.

Fenway Dad Ashes
Dave Johnson. (Family Photo)

Dave Johnson, a Hartford, Conn. native and die hard Sox fan passed away last December from complications after heart surgery. He was 76 years old.

The family asked the Red Sox for permission to spread the ashes, but they said no. But Megan did it anyway.

The Red Sox used to allow grieving families to spread ashes of the deceased loved ones but they got so many requests, they had to stop.

"We are touched that people have such a powerful connection with Fenway Park and request this be their final resting place, however the sheer volume made it difficult to continue this practice," the Red Sox told WBZ-TV in a statement.

Fenway Ashes
Megan Johnson spread her father's ashes at Fenway Park. (Courtesy Photo)

Megan says her late father, who was a mental health counselor, was a "rule breaker" and would have loved the Fenway sentiment.

Bob Lawler, a funeral home director from West Roxbury, said he discourages families from scattering ashes in public places with people around.

There are no laws in Massachusetts that prevent what Megan did at Fenway. But Bob says he advises people to scatter ashes at sea, on the beach during the early morning hours, or in private gardens.

Lawler says the most important thing is to scatter the remains in a "dignified" manner and that means away from crowds.

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