Ferman BMW Employee Suffers Deadly Fall From Golf Cart

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a Palm Harbor man who fell from a golf cart at Ferman BMW, where he worked.

FHP investigators say George Karalis, 49, was standing on the rear platform of a 2008 Club Car golf cart as it drove through the parking lot of the car lot around 7:25 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20.  Karalis lost his balance and fell to the ground when the golf cart made a turn. 

Another employee, 51 year-old Tarek S. Assem of New Port Richey was driving the golf cart.  

Karalis suffered life-threatening injuries in the fall and was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center according to a Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Spokesperson. The Florida Highway Patrol says Karalis died from his injuries the following day.

"It was a terrible, tragic accident, we are all torn up about it," said Steve Straske, Vice President of Ferman Automotive.

Straske says the men were in the process of closing up the car lot when the incident happened.

Investigators say alcohol was not involved in the crash. Charges are pending in connection with the incident, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

Ferman BMW is located at 31480 U.S. 19