'Never meet his son': Golfer killed in 'horrific' on-course tragedy
A PGA pro died this week at his course in Philadelphia after a tree fell onto the pro shop and cart barn during a storm, according to Golf Digest.
Justin Riegel, the head professional at Philmont Country Club just north of Philadelphia, was helping bring carts in from the rain when a thunderstorm knocked down a tree into the buildings, killing him.
He was 38.
“The storm blew in and everyone was rushing in,” Kelli Patrick, an employee at the course, told ABC 6, “and before we knew it a tree fell.”
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Riegel was reportedly one of four people killed during the storm.
Two others were killed when trees were knocked down and landed on their respective cars, and the fourth was killed in a fire after a power line went down.
Riegel joined the golf course as its head pro last year, and recently was promoted to director of golf there, according to Golf Digest.
He’s held several assistant pro jobs before he was named the head professional for the first time at French Creek Golf Club in Elverson, Pennsylvania, in 2015.
This was my son. Justin Riegel. Head pro. He was 38 years old and expecting his first child any day. He also lost his brother 12 yrs ago to an accident at age 23. It’s a pain too bearable..
— Evette Riegel (@rxrn1018) June 4, 2020
A heartbreaking tragedy. The golf community mourns the passing of Justin Riegel, Philmont C.C.'s PGA Director of Golf. Rest in Peace, Justin. https://t.co/eXaC60ALrx
— NJSGA (@NJSGA1900) June 5, 2020
Lost a good friend yesterday. The collective tragedy is hard to process. Justin’s young Family is going to need a lot of support. If you are able, please head to the go fund me page below to make a donation. Thanks! https://t.co/rekctbD4ix
— Geoffrey Surrette (@gsurrette) June 4, 2020
Some really sad news out of Philmont Country Club today.
I don’t even know what to say.— LinksGems Golf Photos (@LinksGems) June 3, 2020
Remembering Justin Riegel, PGAhttps://t.co/Ziv2OH8KrY pic.twitter.com/piO1YuNR1P
— PhiladelphiaPGA (@PhiladelphiaPGA) June 4, 2020
Golfer’s girlfriend reportedly pregnant
His girlfriend, per the report, is due to give birth to their first son later this month.
“Justin was one the most caring individuals you could ever come across,” a GoFundMe page set up to help his family read, in part.
“He was that guy who would call just to see how you’re doing and make sure everything was great in your life.
“Unfortunately after a horrific accident at work on Wednesday he will never have the opportunity to meet his son.
“Justin was not just a fantastic golf professional, but he was a special person to everyone he came in contact with.”
The GoFundMe page had gathered over $230,000 of a $300,000 target at time of publishing.
