Bruce Florine (photo courtesy of SoarChicago.com) |
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. (AP) – A 52-year-old resident of Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood has died in a freak accident on a New Buffalo golf course.
The Berrien County sheriff’s office said the victim was walking between the course’s first and second holes about 8:30 a.m. Friday when a large tree toppled and struck his head.
His body was found by other club members at the Dunes Club and Golf Course, about 100 miles southwest of Grand Rapids.
The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) identified the victim as Bruce Florine, a Michigan native and PGA Tour consultant who resided in the Chicago high-rise neighborhood.
“We have lost a dear friend and a true leader in Streeterville,” said Brian Hopkins, President of SOAR, said in a news release. “Bruce gave so much of his passion and energy to our community. We are devastated by this tragic accident, and join Bruce’s family in grief as we extend our deepest condolences to them.”
High winds moved into West Michigan Thursday. Storms Friday were expected to create high waves on Lake Michigan. A storm warning was in effect for part of the day.
Full statement from SOAR
"Bruce was a member of SOAR’s Board of Directors until he recently resigned his seat on the board so his consulting firm, Madison Collective, could perform marketing and sponsorship work for SOAR. He was a top consultant to the PGA Tour and was working on preparations for the Chicago area to serve as host for the 2012 Ryder Cup, the most prestigious tournament in international golf. Bruce was instrumental in recent promotional events for the tournament, including a spectacular stunt involving Ryder Cup Captains Davis Love III and Jose Maria Olazabal hitting seven-iron shots from the 16th floor of Trump Tower to a makeshift target on a barge in the Chicago River.
"A kind and caring man, Bruce was particularly excited about the philanthropic opportunities presented by the Ryder Cup. He was working closely with Ronald McDonald House of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, and the PGA Foundation on a number of projects to benefit the two organizations and support them in their charitable missions.
"Bruce was a native of Michigan, but loved his adopted home neighborhood of Streeterville. His leadership and hard work was key to the success of StreeterFest, held last month in Lake Shore Park.
"Bruce will be missed by his many friends in Streeterville and his colleagues in the golf community. SOAR offers its deepest condolences to his family, and joins them in sorrow at the loss of our dear friend."
