A young north-east golf caddie who was “living his dream” in the US has been knocked down and killed by a drink-driver.
Neil Fyfe was cycling home from his first day’s work at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton on New York state’s Long Island when he was hit by a 4×4.
Passers-by tried to resuscitate him at the scene but the 28-year-old was later pronounced dead in hospital.
The accident happened at a crossroads in Suffolk County at 5.30pm local time on Friday.
Driver Jesse Steudte, of Southampton, suffered minor injuries and was charged with “driving while intoxicated”.
It is understood that he has already admitted to authorities that he was drinking before the incident and he could face more serious charges. The 21-year-old, who is a junior at Hartwick College in New York, has already appeared in court and denied being drunk behind the wheel.
Mr Fyfe had been dividing his time between the Hamptons on Long Island and Jupiter in Florida.
He had caddied for pro golfers including Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald and Dustin Johnson – and also for basketball legend Michael Jordan.
He was one of the celebrities the former Oldmachar Academy pupil helped at the exclusive Bears Club in Florida.
It is understood the pair recently shared a joke when Jordan “tailgated” Mr Fyfe – who was on his bike at the time – in his black Ferrari.
Mr Fyfe’s sister Angela described him as a “confidant and friend”.
She said: “I was proud of you Neil Fyfe and everything you were aiming to be and what you had become.
“You were my little brother and I wish I could trade places with you.
“I loved you more than anything or anyone in the whole world and my heart has been shattered into a million pieces.”
Last night, Mr Fyfe’s long-term girlfriend Jennifer Mouncey was too upset to talk about the tragedy.
Mr Fyfe moved to the US to pursue his dream of working the PGA golf tour.
He described himself as “a Scottish caddie trying to make the big time”.
Assistant caddie master Frank Weatherwax, 54, said: “Michael Jordan loves Neil – he’s going to be very upset.”
Scores of people paid tribute to Mr Fyfe online.
Friend Craig Reid said: “An absolute gentleman and realist.
“You were living the dream and it’s been taken from you prematurely. ‘Sadly missed’ is an understatement.”
A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of the death of a 28-year-old British national in New York on Friday and are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”