A beloved Utah CrossFit coach is in a medically induced coma after a freak golf cart accident in Mexico, prompting U.S. officials to issue a stern warning about the dangers of these seemingly harmless vehicles.
Kerrie Olsen, 39, owner and coach at Skol CrossFit in Riverton, Utah, was enjoying a vacation with her husband and friends when the golf cart they were riding in crashed into a sand trap on the course. The accident left Olsen gravely injured and fighting for her life.
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her family, Olsen was rushed to the hospital unconscious and underwent emergency brain surgery that saved her life. She remains in intensive care on a ventilator, in a medically induced coma, while doctors work to stabilize her. Her husband, Paul, is only allowed to visit her for one to two hours a day due to hospital policies in Mexico, spending the rest of his time watching her through a window.
“She is still in the ICU in Mexico, on a ventilator, in a medically induced coma while doctors work to stabilize her,” the campaign reads. “Hospitals in Mexico operate differently than what we are used to here — Paul is only allowed in the room with her one to two hours a day. The rest of the time, he stands outside her door, watching her through the window. Family is doing everything they can from every angle to get her home.”
This tragic incident is not an isolated one. Reports of golf cart accidents have been on the rise, with some proving fatal. The recent death of a beloved St. Louis journalist in a freak highway accident serves as another somber reminder of how quickly everyday situations can turn deadly.
In response, U.S. officials have issued a critical reminder that golf carts can be deadly if not operated safely. They urge all drivers and passengers to follow these essential safety rules: use seatbelts when available; keep all limbs inside the vehicle; ensure all passengers are seated before moving; operate the cart only from the driver's seat; obey all traffic rules; slow down before and during turns; use turn signals; come to a full stop before changing direction; check behind before reversing; yield to pedestrians; avoid distractions like texting; never allow standing passengers; never drive under the influence; fully engage the parking brake when parked; and remove the key before leaving the vehicle.
The U.S. warning echoes similar advisories in other recreational activities, such as the recent urgent kayak warning issued by federal officials after a tragic Potomac death. Just as kayakers are urged to wear life jackets and check conditions, golf cart users must take basic precautions to avoid tragedy.
“This is a wake-up call,” a U.S. safety official said. “Golf carts are not toys. They can be just as dangerous as cars if not handled with care.”
Olsen's family and friends are rallying to bring her home, but the road to recovery remains uncertain. For now, her husband stands vigil outside her ICU room, a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety, even in the most leisurely of activities.
As the sports community sends prayers to Kerrie and her family, let this incident serve as a sobering reminder: stay safe out there. A few seconds of caution can mean the difference between a great vacation and a life-altering tragedy.
