During a recent golf event, an unfortunate incident occurred when NFL star Travis Kelce's errant golf ball struck a spectator, causing significant injuries.
A spectator was injured by Travis Kelce's golf shot during the 2024 American Century Championship, resulting in a concussion and the need for stitches, Mail Online reported.
The American Century Championship held at Lake Tahoe's Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course was the scene of the accident. Katie Hauss, 37, and her husband were enjoying the tournament when the unexpected happened. Positioned behind the 16th hole, Katie was struck by a golf ball hit off Kelce's tee.
Katie immediately realized the gravity of her situation when she felt the impact. The blow to the back of her head caused significant bleeding and pain. "When I put my hand to the back of my head there was a lot of blood," Katie recounted. "I immediately felt pain and was just trying to focus on not blacking out."
Crowd reactions quickly turned to shock as spectators realized what had occurred. Panic and shouts filled the air, identifying the source of the shot as the football star turned golfer for the day. "I then heard people start yelling and screaming that it was Travis Kelce's golf shot, and 'Oh my god, that girl just got hit in the head,'" Katie added.
Katie tried to maintain her composure despite the overwhelming pain. "I told my husband that I thought I was okay, it just hurt bad," she said while describing her efforts to remain calm. As she knelt to regain her bearings, a bystander responder quickly came to her aid, providing crucial first aid by applying pressure to her wound.
Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce immediately approached Katie to check on her condition. The concern on their faces was palpable. This interaction was shortly followed by professional medical assistance arriving on the scene, as advised by the fast-acting bystander.
Following the on-field first aid, Katie was advised to visit the hospital for further medical evaluation. At the hospital, tests confirmed that she had suffered a concussion and needed stitches for the head injury sustained. The medical team provided the necessary treatment to address her injuries.
While recovering, Katie reflected on the incident with a gracious attitude towards the individual who assisted her at the scene. "I am just so appreciative to that man for helping me, a stranger, and I wish I could thank him for his kindness," she expressed.
After the incident, a photograph of Travis Kelce and Katie captured a moment filled with mixed emotions. "Travis said that he couldn't bring himself to smile given the circumstances," Katie shared.
Despite the unintentional nature of the accident, she empathized with Travis, understanding the pressure and visibility he faced. "I honestly felt bad for him because I know that it was a total accident, and that can't feel good to do that with a huge crowd looking on," she noted.
Travis Kelby had previously discussed the risk of such accidents in amateur golf events, highlighting the preparedness for medical emergencies. "My advice would be don't feel bad if you hit somebody because they bought the ticket," Travis advised before the tournament.
The incident at the American Century Championship serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports events, even in a seemingly controlled setting like golf. The community's immediate response and Katie's resilience highlight the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual care among spectators and participants alike.
