NEED TO KNOW
An intern for the Cincinnati Open was killed after falling from a cart after the final day of the tournament
Emergency responders answered a call that a man, later identified as Joshua Darst, fell shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18
Darst’s community remembered him fondly for his “infectious smile” and “warm spirit” in tributes shared online
An intern for the Cincinnati Open tragically died after falling from a motorized golf cart after the final day of the tournament.
According to local news stations WLWT and WCPO, police in Mason, Ohio said they were called to the scene after a man fell off of a motorized cart near a loading dock area just after 11 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. The man, later confirmed to the outlets to be intern Joshua Darst, was transported to West Chester Hospital where he died.
“We are devastated by the tragic accident that took the life of one of our interns and valued team members,” tournament organizers said in a statement issued to the outlets. “This loss is deeply felt by our entire organization. Our hearts, thoughts, and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”
Joshua Darst/Instagram
Cincinnati Open intern Joshua Darst via Instagram
Representatives with the Cincinnati Open did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for a statement.
Darst, 21, was a senior at Cornerstone University in Michigan where he was on a baseball scholarship, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
A lifeguard at the Lakota Family YMCA in Liberty Township, Ohio, Darst was a beloved member of the community.
“Joshua and his family have been part of the Lakota Family YMCA since January 2017, where he and his mom often worked out side by side,” the YMCA said in a statement on Aug. 20.
“As he grew, Joshua looked forward to becoming a lifeguard, training by swimming countless laps in preparation. Once he joined our staff, he worked his way up from lifeguard to head guard, and eventually pool manager.”
The YMCA remembered Darst, who started teaching youth swimming lessons this summer, for his “infectious smile, kind heart, and warm spirit.”
“Joshua never knew a stranger; he made everyone feel welcome and valued,” the YMCA said, adding, “On behalf of the Lakota Family YMCA staff, we are profoundly grateful for Joshua’s years of dedication, leadership, and friendship. His impact will continue to live on through the lives he touched in and out of the water.”
Darst’s longtime pastor spoke to WLWT, saying it “absolutely broke my heart” when he heard the news.
“I met Josh when we first came here about 14 and a half years ago. He came up and stuck his little hand out, he was about seven years old, introduced himself,” McManus said. “He was the very first person I ever baptized here at Tri-County Baptist Church.”
Read the original article on People
