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Father accidentally kills girl, 6, after striking her with golf ball

A US girl has been accidentally killed after her father smacked a golf ball into the back of the neck as she sat in a golf buggy while he played.

The six-year-old was struck at a golf course in Utah, on Monday about 10am local time, and was rushed to hospital where she later died from her injuries, news site KSL.com reported.

Police said she was initially delivered to a local hospital in a critical condition, and flown by helicopter to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City where she died.

Photo of a six-year-old who was struck in the back of the neck by her father's golf ball and died.
The six-year-old was struck in the back of the neck and died. Source: KSL.com via David Smith

A call for help was received by 911 about 10.25am.

The child was positioned in the golf cart at between 45 and 90 degrees to the father’s left, according to Orem Police Lieutenant Trent Colledge.

The head golf professional at the at the Links at Sleepy Ridge course said he had never heard of someone dying from being hit with a golf ball at his course.

Photo of girl, 6, who died after being hit in the back of the neck by a golf ball hit by her father.
A father has killed his six-year-old daughter in a tragic golfing accident. Source: KSL.com via David Smith

“This is absolutely unimaginable, and it’s been devastating to see it at the course and in the community,” Mr Marett said.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, however Mr Colledge said the child’s death appeared to be a “tragic accident”.

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