A tragic incident occurred early Friday morning outside Valhalla Golf Club, resulting in the death of 69-year-old John Mills from Crestwood.
Mills, who was working as a PGA vendor, was crossing Shelbyville Road around 5 a.m. before sunrise when he was struck by a shuttle bus in a dedicated bus lane.
According to police reports, he died at the scene.
Notably, this incident led to the arrest to the world’s top golfer, Scottie Scheffler.
This from earlier today:
“Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1-ranked player in the world and recent Masters winner, was handcuffed and charged with felony assault of a police officer at Valhalla Golf Club after refusing to stop at the scene of a fatal accident at the course entrance.
Scheffler faces charges of felony assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, according to court records. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim or complaining witness.
Scheffler is scheduled to appear in Jefferson District Court on May 21.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg released a statement shortly before 2 p.m., expressing condolences:
“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. 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 PGA of America also responded to the incident with a heartfelt statement:
“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.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) provided additional details in a statement Friday afternoon:
“This is a preliminary statement regarding the facts and circumstances of what occurred near Valhalla Golf Club early this morning. We are still in the process of gathering information and investigating what transpired today. At about 5:07 this morning, in front of Gate 2 at Valhalla Golf Club, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a shuttle bus. LMPD expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the individual who died as a result of that collision. All lanes of traffic at the scene were closed while the fatality investigation occurred. LMPD personnel were also directing traffic around the scene. While an officer was directing traffic, an encounter with a motorist attempting to make entry into a restricted area ultimately led to the driver being arrested. We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. We are appreciative that all parties involved are fully cooperating.”
As a result of the accident, Shelbyville Road was shut down, causing delays for all general public PGA shuttles coming from the Kentucky Expo Center.
However, operations have since resumed.
Additionally, the start of Round 2 of the PGA Championship was delayed.
Officials announced that the first starting time was pushed back to 8:35 a.m.
