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Fellow golfers mourn Stewart's death
Posted: Monday October 25, 1999 06:58 PM
WINDERMERE, Fla. (AP) -- Fellow golfers gathered at the gated and lushly landscaped mansion Payne Stewart called home following his tragic death in a plane crash, while neighbors spoke of his friendly manner. Stewart, one of the most recognizable players in golf with his colorful attire and trademark knickers, died Monday when the Houston-bound LearJet he was in crashed hours after departing from Orlando. At his lakeside home here in an exclusive neighborhood about 10 miles southwest of Orlando, police cars parked on the east and west side to protect the family's privacy, and reporters were kept across the street. Several fellow golfers arrived at his home following the tragedy, including Lee Janzen, accompanied by his wife; Mark O'Meara, Scott Hoch and Ernie Els. The 800-acre community of sprawling mansions, bass-filled lakes and vigilant security guards is home to some of the biggest names in pro sports, including Stewart, O'Meara, golf pro Tiger Woods, the Seattle Mariners' Ken Griffey Jr., Orlando Magic's Penny Hardway and Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge. Lots are either on the golf course or one of seven lakes. Neighbors and friends of Stewart's children, 13-year-old Chelsea and 10-year-old Aaron, recalled Payne as friendly and easygoing. "He was a straight-up nice guy," said 12-year-old Jonathan Caballero. "He would come out here and play with the kids, all of us." Tim Brown, 13, said, "He used to play tag with us, but he wasn't any good at it." Neighbor Cooki Spears stopped by the Stewart home to deliver flowers with her 11-year-old son, Brandon. "Payne was an unbelievable person," a tearful Spears said. "I don't know why God took him but I'm sure there's a reason. He was fun to be with." She said her son was very close with Aaron. "Whenever my son spent the night at their house, Payne got up first thing in the morning and made pancakes for them. He made them breakfast, and he horsed around with them." Bill Curry, a family friend, read a statement outside the gates of the Stewart home: "We appreciate the heartfelt love and kindness shown by our friends and loved ones in our loss of pain. We know he is with the Lord and in that we take comfort. Please keep the Stewart family in your prayers along with the families of Robert Fraley, Van Ardan, and the two pilots." Rev. Jim Henry, a retired pastor for First Baptist Church of Orlando who used to minister to the Stewart family, said, "He was a wonderful Christian who had Christ in his life and somehow in his death. That brought a great sense of peace to his family in a difficult and tragic time." After winning his second U.S. Open in June, the 42-year-old Stewart had spoken of his renewed faith and inner peace. Winner of three major championships and a member of five Ryder Cup teams, Stewart had also recently talked about his effort to keep golf in perspective and spend more time with his family.
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