Veteran PGA Caddie Struck and Killed in Del Mar

Walton Barber, LLP

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Popular PGA caddie Steve Duplantis was struck and killed in a pedestrian vs. auto accident as he stepped of the center median of a Del Mar street and was struck by a taxi. Duplantis was in the area to caddie in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines.

According to reports, Duplantis was an excellent caddie with a reputation as person who liked a good party.

"Never want to hear anything like that about someone you know," said Jim Furyk, who worked with Duplantis for 4½ years and won four times with him. "He was a very likable person. He had a way about him and a charisma. He went through a lot of different bags out here. But you always rooted for him and always wished him well."

Friends remember Duplantis as a devoted father, but also as one with a reputation for excessive partying. Tommy Armour III, who Duplaintis caddied for in 2003, was saddened by the accidental death by not surprised.

"Am I shocked by this? No," Armour told the AP. "I tried several times to get him some help. And I told him in 2003, 'Bud, if you don't change, you're going to die a tragic death.' "

Duplantis was only 35 years old and leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter. His fellow tour caddies are taking up a collection to have his body flown to his home in Toronto for burial.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.