Marlborough, New Hampshire, September 6, 2025
News Summary
A 62-year-old employee, Iain Walton, died following a fatal golf cart rollover at an Extra Space Storage facility in Marlborough. The incident occurred during a routine day when Walton attempted a three-point turn on a steep embankment. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital. Investigations are ongoing, and no criminal charges are expected. This tragic event highlights the importance of golf cart safety, especially in challenging terrains.
Marlborough
Tragic golf cart rollover at storage facility leaves 62-year-old employee dead
This past Thursday just before noon, a routine day at a Marlborough storage lot turned into a fatal accident when a golf cart flipped over the edge of a steep embankment. The victim, a 62-year-old employee identified as Iain Walton, was found pinned beneath the vehicle at the Extra Space Storage site in Marlborough, New Hampshire.
A nearby motel employee spotted the rollover and called 911. Marlborough police and fire crews rushed to the scene and discovered Walton trapped under the cart. First responders immediately began lifesaving efforts, including the use of an AED, and he was later taken to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators say Walton was working alone at the storage facility when the incident happened. They believe he was attempting a three-point turn to change direction when the cart rolled over the edge of a steep embankment. Officials noted the vehicle was in neutral at the time of the rollover and that the cart was equipped with seatbelts, though Walton was not wearing one.
The Marlborough Police Department characterized the event as an unfortunate accident and indicated no criminal charges are expected. The details being examined by investigators include the slope of the embankment, the cart’s mechanical condition, and the circumstances of the maneuver that led to the vehicle rolling.
Why golf cart safety matters to golfers and grounds crews
Golfers know golf carts are invaluable on the course — they save time, protect bodies, and keep the pace moving. But carts are still vehicles, and when terrain gets steep or unexpected, things can go south fast. For folks who maintain courses or work at facilities that use carts off the fairway — such as storage facilities, resorts, or large properties — the risks can be even higher because surfaces and embankments aren’t meant for regular cart use.
From a golf-writer’s perspective, this accident is a sobering reminder of the basics that every player and staffer should treat like gospel: wear the belt when provided, avoid risky turns on slopes, put the handbrake on when checking a tight spot, and don’t rely on neutral as a parking brake. Neutral can let a cart roll if the surface drops away.
Practical takeaways for golf enthusiasts and grounds teams
- Seatbelts matter: If a cart has them, use them. They can prevent being thrown or pinned in a rollover.
- Mind the terrain: Avoid three-point turns or tight maneuvers near edges, embankments, ditches, or unpaved drop-offs.
- Secure the vehicle: Always use a parking brake and avoid leaving a cart in neutral on slopes.
- Work with eyes on the ground: If you’re alone, call for backup before attempting tricky moves; better safe than sorry.
- Respond safely: If you witness an accident, call 911, stay clear of unstable vehicles, and guide first responders when they arrive.
What this means for facilities and operators
Facilities that use golf carts on non-golf terrain should re-evaluate policies, training, and signage. Routine checks for functioning brakes, secure seatbelts, and clear instructions about not driving near embankments are low-cost steps that can prevent tragedies. For golf course managers and grounds crews, it’s a prompt to review safety briefings before busy days and to treat cart operation as part of mandatory safety training.
Final note
This accident is a reminder that even the most familiar tools can be dangerous when conditions change. Golf carts are a staple of the sport and property work, but they deserve respect. The loss of Iain Walton is a human tragedy, and the situation underscores the need for vigilance, simple safety habits, and solid procedures wherever carts are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Marlborough?
A 62-year-old male employee was killed when a golf cart rolled over a steep embankment at a storage facility. He was found pinned under the cart and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
When did the accident occur?
The incident occurred just before noon on a Thursday.
Was anyone else involved?
The employee was working alone. A nearby motel employee witnessed the rollover and called emergency services.
Were first responders able to help?
First responders used lifesaving measures, including an AED, and transported the injured man to Cheshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Was the golf cart in motion or parked?
Investigators reported the golf cart was in neutral during the accident and believe the driver was attempting a three-point turn when the cart went over the embankment.
Was the employee wearing a seatbelt?
The cart was equipped with seatbelts, but the employee was not wearing one at the time of the accident.
Are criminal charges expected?
No criminal charges are expected. Authorities are treating this as an accidental death.
What safety lessons should golfers take from this?
Always wear seatbelts if available, avoid risky maneuvers near edges or slopes, set the parking brake on inclines, and avoid leaving a cart in neutral when on uneven ground.
Quick Facts & Safety Checklist
| Item | Details / Action |
|---|---|
| When | Just before noon on Thursday |
| Where | Extra Space Storage, Marlborough, New Hampshire |
| Victim | 62-year-old male employee (working alone) |
| Cause | Cart rolled over a steep embankment during a three-point turn; cart in neutral |
| Seatbelt | Cart equipped with belts; not worn by the occupant |
| Emergency response | Witness called 911; first responders used AED; transported to Cheshire Medical Center |
| Legal | Classified as accidental; no criminal charges expected |
| Safety checklist for cart users |
– Wear seatbelt when available – Avoid three-point turns near edges – Use parking brake on slopes – Do not leave in neutral on inclines – Inspect cart condition before use |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- My Keene Now
- Google Search: Golf cart safety
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf cart safety
- People
- Google News: Rudy Giuliani car accident
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