Maintenance Worker Fatally Crushed By Lawn Mower At Northbrook Golf Course

NORTHBROOK, IL — A lawn worker at a country club died after being pinned below a riding mower Saturday afternoon.

Richard L. Bowden, 62, mowed lawns at Greenacre Country Club in Northbrook. He was cutting grass along an incline on an embankment when the large mower tipped over, trapping him underneath. He was pronounced dead at 2:53 p.m., according to a statement from the Village of Northbrook.

Bowden, of Deerfield, was a contract worker for a landscaping country hired by Greenacre. His death remains under investigation by the village, according to the statement.

Bowden's death was ruled an accident due to traumatic asphyxia and blunt force injuries from falling from and being pinned under a riding mower, according to results of a Sunday autopsy from the Cook County Medical Examiner.

“On behalf of the Village of Northbrook, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Richard L. Bowden,” the statement said.

According to an obituary submitted by his family:

Rick was an avid outdoorsman and was always up earlier than you. For the past 38 years he enjoyed maintaining the grass for a game he couldn't play. His endless knowledge, extraordinary work ethic and larger than life sense of humor was admired by all and is sincerely missed by family.