PGA Championship: Pedestrian killed by shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club was vendor employee
The man, who the PGA of America later identified as John Mills, was pronounced dead at the scene
An employee of a vendor at the PGA Championship was struck and killed by a shuttle bus Friday morning near the front entrance of Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., according to a statement from the PGA of America.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Officers were called to the scene around 5 a.m. ET and found a man was hit by an eastbound traveling shuttle bus in the center lane dedicated to buses. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The PGA of America identified the man as John Mills.
“Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work,” the PGA of America said in a statement. “As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place. While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg released a statement on social media saying that LMPD is investigating the incident.
A statement from Mayor Greenberg. pic.twitter.com/Ey0vtgnfqr
— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) May 17, 2024
“This morning, our city experienced a tragic accident that took the life of John Mills, a Louisvillian who will be greatly missed by his family and our community," Greenberg said, in part. "Our focus is on this family who lost their lvoed one ... It is unfortunate that an incident took place between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while he was attempting to enter Valhalla. LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed."
Scottie Scheffler arrest
The resulting traffic from the fatal crash around the entrance to Valhalla led to an incident involving Scottie Scheffler and a police officer that ended with the world's No. 1 player being detained and arrested.
Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief in the third degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic. The charges include two misdemeanors, one violation and one felony (second-degree assault of a police officer). According to the police report, an officer was hospitalized after being "dragged" by Scheffler's car and suffered "pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee."
More about Scottie Scheffler
ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported that Scheffler drove about "10 to 20 yards" after being told to stop. Darlington said that Scheffler tried to explain that he did not know the man telling him to stop was a police officer. Darlington said that Scheffler did not raise his voice during the confrontation.
According to Darlington, the situation escalated rapidly, and Scheffler was loaded into a police vehicle. Darlington reported that a police officer told him, "There's nothing you can do, he's going to jail." Darlington later reported that an officer asked him to identify Scheffler.
Steve Romines, an attorney representing Scheffler, told reporters that Scheffler held out his media credential and was entering the golf course as players had been instructed to.
Scheffler released a statement just before his 10:08 a.m. ET tee time saying that "there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions.
"Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective."
Scheffler is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET, according to court records. He ended up posting a 5-under 66 on Friday, which vaulted him into contention at the midway point of the tournament.
