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Grandson of Golfer Jack Nicklaus Dies
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — The 17-month-old grandson of Jack Nicklaus died Tuesday after falling into a hot tub where he had been playing earlier, officials said.

Jake Walter Nicklaus was pronounced dead at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center at about 6:30 p.m., said Palm Beach County sheriff's spokesman Paul Miller.

The son of Steve Nicklaus, the toddler had been playing in the hot tub with his 4-year-old brother and their nanny, Miller said. The three left the pool area and went into the house, but Jake slipped away and went back through a sliding door to the hot tub, Miller said.

The nanny quickly realized he was missing and discovered him in the water, Miller said. She performed CPR until fire-rescue workers arrived. The boy was breathing at the time, he said.

He was brought to the hospital and died about an hour and a half after rescuers were called, Miller said.

According to the preliminary investigation, the death appeared to be accidental and there was no reason to suspect foul play, Miller said. An autopsy was planned to confirm the cause of death.

He said there was a child barrier around the entire pool area.

A winner of 18 majors and five-time winner of the PGA Player of the Year, Nicklaus most recent action was on Feb. 5 when he returned from a long layoff following back surgery to win the Champions Skins Game.

He is due to serve as captain of the U.S. team in the Presidents Cup competition this fall.

Steve has collaborated with his father on several golf course designs.

What a tragic and heartbreaking story. Having lost a child of my own, I know first hand what the parents are going through. This is just another instance of what can, and often does, happen when people leave a toddler unattended around water for even a few seconds.

My wife had a giant hot tub with all the bells and whistles when I met her, but as soon as she became pregnant we both agreed the "spa" had to go. We do miss the times we spent there but the peace of mind that we shared, knowing an accident like this could never happen to us, was so worth it. My prayers are with the Nickaus family.

I can imagine no greater tragedy than to lose a child. It hurts to even think about it. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nicklaus family.

I second that.

Truly Sad, RIP

I just read that on pgatour.com before I came over here. What a sad story. My heart goes out to the Nicklaus family.

I can only echo the words and sentiments above.

How tragic. Heart felt condolences to the Nicklaus family.....

Sad, sad news. Condolences to the Nicklaus family, of course. And belated condolences to you as well, LG, and to any others here who have endured this worst of tragedies. Just can't imagine it...

Sorry to read about your loss.
I have two young children and I can not even fathom losing either one, especially the way the Nicklaus family did.

OK, at first all I read was "Golfer Jack Nicklaus Dies". I was like, "Whoa." Then I saw "Grandson" and suddenly I felt.....whoa.

I know what it's like when children die well before their time. This past summer, 2 of my schoolmates died within a day of each other, both in freak accidents. Plus, when I was in elementary school, a boy who was two years younger than me died from lieukemia. It's a great tragedy every time, and it doesn't get any easier as time goes on.

I've gotta say, my heart goes out to you League, and to the Nicklaus family.

Last night on the Golf Channel I caught the tail end of an interview with Jack Nicklaus about his 17-month-old Grandson drowning, last week. When I caught this I had been asleep on the couch and was just curious if I was dreaming or not. Being a parent and a Grandfather that has got to be the worse thing that could ever happen. Just hope that I heard wrong on this one. If true then my hart and prayers go out to the family in such a tragic accident.

I posted this in another section and did not realize there was a post already on this. What a horrible thing to happen I just cannot imagine the pain the family has suffered over this. My prayers go out to the family.

Halk unfortunately it was true. It happened last week around Wednesday or Thursday. What a terrible loss and a tragic accident. When you hear those type of things makes you reflect and not take things for granted.