The PGA member's wife April Fredrickson confirms Sean, his son Hayden and stepchildren Sofia and Quinn Olsen were among those killed in a plane crash over Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho.
- Jul 8, 2020
AceShowbiz - Pro golf world is in mourning over the tragic death of PGA member Sean Fredrickson. The 48-year-old golfer, his son and two stepchildren were killed in a plane crash over Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho on Sunday, July 5.
Sean's wife April Fredrickson has confirmed that her husband, his 16-year-old son Hayden Fredrickson and stepchildren Sofia, 15, and Quinn Olsen, 11, were aboard the plane which collided with another plane and crashed into the water at around 2:20 P.M. on Sunday. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said a total of eight passengers and crew died and there are no known survivors in the incident.
Speaking to local Fox affiliate KPTV about her heartbreaking loss, April said, "My family died while they were on an adventure. Everyone was so excited to be on that plane... I think that, at the end of the day, they died doing what they loved which was, you know, being together."
"I don't know a person that did not like my husband. He just had an infectious personality. Always wanted to take care of everybody else," she gushed about her husband, before remembering her children, "My daughter was 15 and she loved life, she literally loved life. My little guy was Quinn. He was 11 and he was my best friend. He was just always in tune with what I needed."
She added, "My stepson [Hayden] had just gotten his license, and he had his car, and he had a girlfriend and his life was good. His life was so incredibly good, and he was a happy kid."
Sofia and Quinn's father, Brian Olsen, said in a statement to KPTV, "Sofie is a golden spirit and kept me striving to be a better parent... Quinn looked up to his big sister. My children constantly remind me of all the experiences to cherish in our world this day and every day. Great times and the tragic."
Sean worked as the head golf professional at Oswego Lake Country Club in Oregon and also served as the president of the Pacific Northwest PGA Section. Reacting to the shocking news, PGA said in a statement, "Sean was an incredible father, husband, PGA Professional, mentor, and leader. There are never words to communicate the pain of such a loss. Whether through prayer or quiet reflection, please hold Sean and his family in your hearts... As you remember Sean, reflect on the enthusiasm, the integrity, the passion and the love we saw in him every day. We will miss you, our friend."
Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial has formed at Oswego Lake Country Club to honor Sean's legacy. The country club remembered Sean, "His positive spirit and joy for the game of golf was contagious," but above all else, he was a "tremendous husband, father and friend."
The crash is currently under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
