Second round of 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville delayed after pedestrian death
The start of the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville was delayed Friday morning after a pedestrian was killed by a shuttle bus while crossing Shelbyville Road.
According to Louisville police, the man died at the scene after the accident around 5 a.m.
“Our preliminary investigation found that an adult male pedestrian was crossing Shelbyville Road south to north when he was struck by a shuttle bus that was traveling eastbound in the compulsory center lane dedicated for buses,” the Louisville Metro Police Department said in a news release. “As a result, the pedestrian received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. The LMPD Traffic Unit is investigating. There were no other injuries.”
Tournament officials announced shortly after the accident that the start of the second round of the four-day golf major would be delayed. Police told Louisville’s WLKY-TV that Friday’s starting time, which was supposed to be 7:15 a.m., would be moved back at least one hour and that the PGA shuttles for fans in the area were temporarily shut down.
Later Friday morning, PGA Championship officials said play would get underway at 8:35 a.m. That indeed took place. Play got underway under the revised schedule at 8:35 a.m.
UPDATE
Play of Round 2 will begin at 8:35 AM. All Round 2 Starting Times are delayed 1 hour and 20 minutes from the originally published time.
All spectator gates will open at 8:00 AM.#PGAChamp— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) 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,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a news release. “Our focus is on this family who lost their loved one. I have spoken with members of Mr. Mills’ family to convey our city’s condolences.”
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the 69-year-old victim as John C. Mills of Crestwood and said he died from blunt force injuries.
Also Friday morning, Louisville police arrested PGA Championship participant Scottie Scheffler after the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer reportedly attempted to drive around officers working the accident on his way to the course.
“It is unfortunate that an incident took place between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while he was attempting to enter Valhalla,” Greenberg’s statement said. “LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. We remain focused on the tragic loss of life and will share more information on both of these matters as available.”
This morning an incident occurred outside the PGA Championship that resulted in the heartbreaking death of a fellow Kentuckian. Our hearts are broken, and we continue to pray for the victim’s family. 1/2
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 17, 2024
Thousands of fans flocked to Valhalla for Thursday’s opening round, during which Xander Schauffele shot a major championship record 62 to take the first-round lead.
“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,” the PGA of America said in a news release. “We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Herald-Leader staff writer Christopher Leach contributed to this article.
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