PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Port St. Lucie police are investigating a golf cart incident that resulted in a man's death over the weekend.
WATCH BELOW: 'It's a sad situation,' Golfer Kenneth Sower
Investigators said that on Saturday at around 5:20 p.m., a man fell from a moving golf cart and hit his head on the sidewalk at Southwest Astor Creek Parkway and Southwest Shinnecock Drive.
The preliminary investigation revealed that 62-year-old Cynthia Mackin from Greensboro, GA, was driving the golf cart south on the sidewalk while her husband, 59-year-old Daniel Mackin, stood on the back. Police said he lost his grip, fell, and hit his head.
"Our operator was consuming alcohol, the passenger even more,” Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said. “However, it was just an unsafe situation."
Niemczyk said the couple were playing golf when the incident happened. Daniel Mackin was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he later died.
Police conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Cynthia Mackin for driving under the influence. She was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail and later released on a $500 bond.
"It's a tragic situation her husband passed,” Niemczyk said. “ Unfortunately, it was necessary to make the arrest at that time, because her BAC had to be captured, and a breathalyzer had to be performed."
WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield went to the course on Monday and spoke to the director of golf at Astor Creek—who said they do not have a comment at this time.
Golfer Kenneth Sower Jr. was at the course today and said he is shocked about what happened.
"It's a sad situation,” Sower said, adding that the tragedy could’ve been avoided. "They preach that when you get the golf cart, you're not supposed to get on the back. Just ride it in the front."
Niemczyk said drivers should treat golf carts the same as operating a car.
“You have to have a designated driver,” Niemczyk said. “The person that's going to be operating the golf cart has to be sober, and they have to be aware and they're responsible for their passenger."
Police said the investigation is still ongoing and will be reviewed by the state attorney office for any possible additional charges.
Investigators said that during the investigation, 37-year-old Justis Morrison from Jupiter interfered and refused police instructions to move back, leading to his arrest for obstruction. He was also taken to the St. Lucie County Jail and later bonded out on a $500 bond.
Traffic homicide investigators and detectives said they are consulting with the State Attorney’s Office regarding potential additional charges against Cynthia Mackin related to her husband's death.
