PGA worker is named as victim of shuttle bus crash that Scottie Scheffler was ‘trying to drive around’ when he was arrested

The pedestrian hit and killed by a shuttle bus outside the PGA Championship has been identified.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg named him as local man John Mills, a worker for one of the vendors at the golf tournament.

‘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,’ he said.

‘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.’

Mills was attempting to cross Shelbyville Road at roughly 5am when he was struck in a dedicated lane for buses, before he was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘This is a tragic morning and our thoughts are with the family of the individual lost – may their memory be a blessing. Unfortunately a shuttle bus struck this individual while walking, resulting in their death,’ Greenberg explained.

‘LMPD is investigating what took place and we hope to have more answers soon. We are also working to provide counseling services to those PGA volunteers who were on the bus during this incident.’

Greenberg said traffic was moving again to Valhalla, but asked everyone to go slow and stay alert.

The PGA of America at the same time issued its own updated statement naming 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,’ it said.

Earlier the PGA said: ‘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.’

Play eventually got underway at 8.35am, an hour and 20 minutes later than scheduled, with all spectator gates opening at 8am over in Kentucky.

In a turbulent start to day two at Valhalla, World No 1 Scottie Scheffler was also detained in handcuffs by police outside the club after a misunderstanding on Friday morning.

Scheffler was filmed by nearby press being led into a police car after trying to enter Valhalla before his second round at the PGA Championship.

With police and first responders still at the scene of the fatal accident, the entrances to the club were blocked by a traffic cordon and dozens of cop cars, before Scheffler tried to navigate his way around them to make his way in.

The 27-year-old, who became a dad for the first time earlier this month, had no involvement in the accident but soon found himself on the wrong side of law enforcement when officers reportedly asked him to stop his vehicle. 

When he continued to drive for another 10-20 yards, a police officer desperately attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s vehicle before he pulled over and stopped as he turned into the entrance of Valhalla.

As the golfer was then led away, ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington – who filmed the incident – attempted to get the attention of officers. He was warned: ‘Back up or you’re going to jail also!’

‘Right now, he’s going to jail,’ another officer said. ‘He’s going to jail and there’s nothing you can do about it. Period.’

‘Can you please help me?’ a panicked Scheffler could be heard asking in the stunning clip as he was taken away in handcuffs. 

Mayor Greenberg also addressed Scheffler’s arrest in his statement on Friday afternoon.

‘Following this tragedy, LMVD stopped traffic to assist with its investigation into the fatal accident,’ he said.

‘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 investigation 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.’

Scheffler was later booked into jail and a mugshot released via the Louisville Department of Corrections. He reportedly faces the following charges.

• Second-degree assault of a police officer, which is a felony

• Third-degree criminal mischief

• Disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic

‘As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place,’ the PGA said.

‘While the legal process plays out, questions should to be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.’

Players are given courtesy cars and, according to ESPN, another player arrived at Valhalla around 5.45am before attempting to move around the cordon – just as Scheffler did.

When officers saw the markings on his car, he was waved through without incident.

Scheffler sits in a tie for 12th after ending his first round on four-under-par. As is typical for players at a major championship, Scheffler was arriving at Valhalla around three hours early.