An elderly spectator died Friday while attending the U.S. Open Championship in Hartford, Wisconsin, officials confirmed.
The Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office reportedly arrived at Erin Hills golf course about 2 p.m. A 94-year-old man collapsed in the grandstand at the 6th green, the medical examiner's office said. EMS responded to the scene but were unable to revive the man.
“The USGA was saddened to learn that a spectator at Erin Hills passed away a short time ago,” The United States Golf Association said in a statement. “Out of respect for the family, we are unable to provide additional information at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with those surrounding this individual during this difficult time.”
A reporter tweeted that the medical examiner had ruled the man’s death due to “natural causes.” The medical examiner's office said it would not be releasing the man's identity pending notification of next of kind.
The day before the man's death, a small blimp crashed and burst into flames at the golf tournament, leaving the pilot seriously injured.
Health officials have also said E. coli bacteria have been found in a drinking water station at Erin Hills golf course, but there have been no reports of illness.
