Man killed by bus outside Valhalla was from the Louisville area | News from WDRB

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The man who died after being struck by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club on Shelbyville Road early Friday morning was attempting to enter the golf course to work as a security guard.

The victim — now identified as 69-year-old John Mills — was struck around 5 a.m. in the 15500 block of Shelbyville Road, directly across from Valhalla, according to Louisville Metro Police. An investigation revealed Mills was crossing Shelbyville Road from south to north when he was struck.

His family told WDRB that “he was working security this week and had a great time in Valhalla. He has enjoyed staying busy in retirement. We love him and will miss him.”

Statement from Mayor Greeberg

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg released a statement Friday afternoon identifying the victim and offering his condolences to his family:

“This morning our city experienced a tragic accident that claimed the life of John Mills, a Louisville resident who will be greatly missed by his family and our community. Our focus is on this family who lost their loved one. I have spoken to members of Mr. Mills’ family to extend their condolences to our city.

“Following this tragedy, LMPD stopped traffic to assist in the investigation of the fatal accident. It is unfortunate that an incident occurred between an LMPD officer and Mr. Scheffler while attempting to enter Valhalla. LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the situation continues. Legal proceedings continue. We thank everyone for their cooperation.

“We remain focused on the tragic loss of life and will share more information on both of these issues as it becomes available.”

PGA of America also released a statement on Friday, not long after the incident:

“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker from one of our suppliers was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking for all of us involved in the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”

Over an hour later, at 6:18 a.m., a detective directing traffic near the scene of the accident attempted to stop Scottie Scheffler – currently ranked No. 1 in the world – as he tried to get around the stationary one in a marked PGA car Driving around traffic and getting into Valhalla, according to court documents.

Scheffler “refused to comply and sped forward, knocking Detective Gillis to the ground,” the arrest report states.

Scheffler was arrested a few minutes later at 6:20 a.m. near Valhalla Gate One.

Gillis was taken to the hospital with cuts to his wrist and knee.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington witnessed the incident and captured part of it on video. In the video, Scheffler can be heard saying, “Can you please help me?”

Later in the video, a police officer says, “Here’s the thing: right now, right now, he’s going to jail. He’s going to jail and there’s nothing you can do about it, period. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

Darlington reported that Scheffler, who was in a vehicle marked PGA, was asked to stop but “slowly moved forward” before eventually stopping and rolling down his window. That’s when the detective opened the door, pulled Scheffler out of the vehicle and arrested him.

According to court records, Scheffler is charged with assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and failure to obey signals from officers directing traffic. He was deemed low risk and released on his own request by police.

Scheffler returned to the course at 9:12 a.m. and WDRB saw him return to the practice range around 10 a.m. for tee time.

His court date is scheduled for May 21 in Louisville.

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