An ad blimp hovering above the U.S. Open PGA Golf tournament in Erin, Wisconsin, on Thursday apparently caught fire and crashed, according to media reports.
On Thursday, the 117th U.S. Open began on a crystal clear day in Erin Hills, Wisconsin.
Maynard said he had no more information on the pilot's status or what caused the accident.
A statement from the Washington County Sheriff's Office said its initial investigation shows the blimp may have experienced mechanical problems before the crash.
News 18's Madison affiliate reports the Washington County Sheriff's Office said around 11:15 a.m., a deputy at a security post reported seeing what appeared to be a blimp on fire, or smoking, and rapidly descending.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time", the U.S. Golf Association said.
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During Game Six, the Country Music Awards Festival will hold outdoor shows just blocks away from Bridgestone Arena . After winning their first two games at home , they came to Nashville and were rocked to the tunes of 5-1 and 4-1.
Maynard says only the pilot was on board the craft.
Golfer Brandt Snededker said he spotted something while on the course.
"My caddie made a comment on the 9th hole". "I guess it was nose down". Ruediger says she saw the blimp disappear behind the tree line, drove to another vantage point and saw black smoke along with three fireballs erupting after it hit the field.
Just got to the #USOpen and the blimp caught fire and crashed. "It's not good. Glad everybody is OK", Snededker said after finishing his round.
The Floriday-based company that owns the blimp, AirSign, is looking into the crash, said Catherine Walsh, a company sales representative.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the blimp was sponsored by PenFed Credit Union, and that one person, possibly the pilot, was transported by Flight for Life from the crash site.
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