74-Year-Old Golfer Found Dead — Man May Have Drowned Searching for Ball in Pond, Deputies Say

Golfer Hermilo Jazmines, 74, was found lifeless underwater while playing golf at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club, Florida.

Hermilo Jazmines was playing a game of golf with his friends when an unfortunate accident caused his death, as reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened on Sunday morning while the 74-year-old was at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Florida and was suddenly out of sight with his equipment.

According to the authorities, Jazmines "teed off near the third hole" and "was last seen looking for his ball near the green." After searching the golf court, the senior's golf cart was located along the path with his putter on the ground, near the water.

The dive team later found Jazmines underwater, near his putter, lifeless. He was already dead by then. Although it seems the incident was purely accidental, an autopsy report is still being investigated.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, "Investigators say the evidence suggests Jazmines may have fallen into the water and drowned. Deputies spoke with friends of Jazmines who say he likes to search the course for lost golf balls."

The athlete's two major leg bones broke through his skin, apart from other ankle and foot injuries.

A similar incident happened last year when golfer Kazunori Bessho reportedly drowned in a water reservoir in Oregon Coast, beside a golf course, after playing a game by himself.

Crestview Golf Club, Waldport, golfers said Bessho was last seen near the water by the 4th hole. The group added that they saw a golf cart near the green with no one in sight.

They later saw Bessho floating in the reservoir. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It seems there have been tragedies in the golf community lately, including Tiger Woods' tragic car crash.

Woods crashed his 2021 Hyundai SUV near Rolling Hills Estates after speeding above the normal range. Although the champion golfer was conscious and responsive during his rescue, Woods sustained several leg injuries.

The athlete's two major leg bones broke through his skin, apart from other ankle and foot injuries. Woods will need to go through several therapy sessions and follow-up serveries during his recovery period.

He will also need to relearn how to walk as his injuries were severe. Sadly, it seems Woods will not be able to play for a long while instead of his previous goal -- to participate in an April tournament.