Louisville was shaken by a tragic incident that occurred outside Valhalla Golf Club on Friday morning during the 2024 PGA Championship. A man named John Mills, a 69-year-old Louisville resident, was killed by a shuttle bus while he was reporting for work as an employee of a PGA of America vendor. The accident took place on Shelbyville Road at around 5 a.m. when a shuttle bus traveling eastbound in a dedicated lane for buses struck Mills, resulting in his death at the scene.
The PGA of America expressed their condolences for the loss of John Mills and emphasized their focus on supporting his family during this difficult time. Additionally, they mentioned that they were cooperating with local authorities to investigate the incident further. Due to the accident, the start of the second round of the PGA Championship was delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes, with play eventually commencing at 8:35 a.m.
Mills’ family shared a statement expressing their love for him and highlighting his enjoyment of working at Valhalla and staying active during retirement. The tragedy not only impacted the family but also caused traffic congestion around Valhalla, leading to complications for players trying to get to the golf course. One such player, Scottie Scheffler, encountered an issue with Louisville police while attempting to reach the course for his tee time, resulting in his arrest and charges of second-degree assault of an officer among four counts.
This unfortunate incident was not the first transportation-related problem at Valhalla during the PGA Championship, as a similar accident involving a shuttle bus and an SUV occurred the day before, causing further delays and frustrations for fans and attendees. The series of accidents highlighted the need for increased safety measures and traffic management in the area to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Overall, the incident involving the death of John Mills cast a shadow over the 2024 PGA Championship and brought attention to the importance of prioritizing safety and security measures at high-profile sporting events. The PGA of America, along with local authorities, will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the causes and prevent such incidents in the future. The impact of the tragedy was felt not only by Mills’ family and loved ones but also by the broader golfing community and residents of Louisville. May John Mills rest in peace, and may his memory be honored as changes are made to ensure the safety of all involved in future PGA events.
