OHS investigating death of Kananaskis golf course worker in golf cart crash

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is investigating the death of an employee of the Kananaskis Country Golf Course.

A man in his 50s who was working as a golf course ambassador was airlifted by STARS to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on Saturday (Aug. 3) after an incident involving a single golf cart left him with serious, life-threatening injuries at the time.

“A worker was driving a golf cart down a steep road when the worker fell out of the cart, sustaining serious head injuries,” said OHS media relations in a statement.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) EMS was called to respond around 5:30 p.m. 

AHS EMS public education officer Stuart Brideaux said it was reported the man had “sustained a loss of control” and there was a “subsequent collision.”

“The precise incident was unwitnessed, however, bystanders heard the collision and responded immediately,” he said.

The golf course’s general manager Darren Robinson confirmed the incident ultimately resulted in loss of life.

“Our Kananaskis Country Golf Course community is very close and we offer our deepest condolences go out to all those affected,” he said in a statement.

“OHS is actively investigating the incident. Out of respect for the family’s wishes, we ask that their privacy be maintained during this difficult time.”

OHS said no further information will be provided by the agency while the investigation is active.

“It is always tragic when a worker is hurt or dies on the job. Our government’s goal is focused on having all workers return home safely after every workday,” it said.

Robinson noted the golf course is offering support services to all employees upon request.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.