Golf Cart Fatality in Port St. Lucie, FL

Golf Cart Fatality in Port St. Lucie, FL

Port St. Lucie, FL — A 34-year-old man was tragically killed after falling from a golf cart at the Floridian National Golf Club. Police say the driver, John Scott Hehr, 53, of Spring, Texas, had been drinking while operating the vehicle and now faces DUI manslaughter charges reddit.com+9reddit.com+9reddit.com+9.

🧭 What Happened

• Around 11 p.m., three friends left the clubhouse in a golf cart heading to a nearby residence.

• The victim was standing at the back of the cart when it went over a raised manhole cover, causing him to fall and strike his head on the pavement.

• He was pronounced dead at Port St. Lucie’s Tradition Medical Center reddit.com+9aol.com+9abcactionnews.com+9.

🚔 Legal Developments

• Hehr was arrested and initially charged with felony DUI manslaughter. Prosecutors have since reduced it to misdemeanor DUI, citing insufficient evidence to prove his driving directly caused the fall — though intoxication was confirmed nbcnewyork.com+10aol.com+10gryyny.com+10.

• A strong odor of alcohol was noted, Hehr demonstrated signs of impairment, and he resisted a blood draw; under Florida law, one can be taken without consent in such cases wesh.com+9aol.com+9abcactionnews.com+9.

🗣 Why This Matters

Golf carts are often viewed as casual, low-risk vehicles, but this incident underscores their potential lethality—especially when safety precautions are ignored. Standing on moving carts is dangerous, and alcohol can further reduce reaction time and judgment. While Hehr’s charges reflect impaired operation, authorities determined there was no evidence of reckless driving beyond that .

💡 Lessons & Safety Reminders

1. Always ride seated and securely: Avoid standing.

2. Never operate any vehicle while impaired, including golf carts.

3. Golf carts are motor vehicles under the law when operated publicly—they fall under DUI statutes.