An elderly man in attendance at the second round of the U.S. Open at Erin Hills on Friday has died.
The name of the tournament attendee has not been released, but the USGA announced that the 94-year-old fan is believed to have died due to natural causes, via the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
A spectator died today at the US Open. No other information immediately available pic.twitter.com/NOmi6otk51
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) June 16, 2017
“The USGA was saddened to learn that a spectator at Erin Hills passed away a short time ago,” the USGA 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.”
The USGA issued an update later Friday afternoon on the spectator’s death after getting more information on the situation from authorities. (VIDEO: Watch The Terrifying Moment A Blimp Crashed At The U.S. Open)
Update: US Open spectator was 94 years old and died of natural causes pic.twitter.com/BVMu1eOWYp
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) June 16, 2017
“Washington county sheriff Dale Schmidt has informed the USGA that the deceased was a 94-year-old male who has appeared to have died from natural causes,” the update read.
Sadly, the first two days of the U.S. Open have been marked by two very unfortunate events. On Thursday a blimp flying over the Erin Hills course crashed and caught fire. Hopefully, the rest of the tournament plays out without anymore saddening news.