Well, that was not my story but pretty similar.
The first time I was leaving my house to get the truck inspected. As I turned out of my parking lot and went down hills, I went from second to third. Well next thing I know is the shifter is in my hand. Didn't have the right tools on board at the moment (was being used for something else). So I figured I would hit the auto repair shop just down the road. Hit the gas, nothing. I was left between gears. Luckily there was a parking lot at the bottom of the hill I could pull into. Got the lever back on and went to the shop.
The second time I was headed for a parade, luckily I was still in gear and got to a parking lot. But this time I had tools.
Not a good feeling when it comes off while on the road. Tried the cutoff wheel trick, seems to do a little better, but still has some play in it.