A bolt from the sky became an unforgettable tragic memory from 1991 U.S. Open

Some of us had experienced decades of late springs and summers in Minnesota, although veteran status was not required to understand the blackness appearing in the western sky beyond Hazeltine National soon would be announcing its arrival with increased winds and thunder, then rain and probable lightning.

It was just after 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 1991, and many more hours of play would be required for the 156 competitors to conclude the first round of the U.S. Open.

The announcement to suspend play came at 1:49 p.m. Players, caddies and officials packed up quickly and scattered, and loudspeakers told the estimated 40,000 spectators to seek shelter.

There were no large shelters to serve that purpose. Minnesotans did what we've always done when in the open and rain starts pelting:

Gathered under the nearest tree.

Yes, we've had TV meteorologists since Bud Kraehling started telling us this was risky, due to lightning's fondness for trees, but how else do you keep from getting wet?

Thus, in a very crowded area far out on the course, the nook between the 11th and 17th tees, above the 16th hole, a group of ardent golf watchers gathered under a willow tree.

And then a bolt found the willow. Thirty yards away, Richard Marshall, a photographer for the Pioneer Press, was knocked down. He got up, recovered his camera and took photos.

Later, he wrote what he saw after getting to his feet: "… six men stood under a weeping willow, side by side … they were motionless, like department store mannequins … Then, they just crumpled …"

Billy Fadell, 27, could not be resuscitated and died. John Hannahan, standing behind this young man he didn't know, also had no heartbeat.

A volunteer fireman among nearby spectators rushed to administer CPR to Hannahan. He was alive when paramedics arrived and out of the hospital the next day.

John's now 72, and with wife Anne, has watched son Jack have a solid career in major leagues, and rooted for son Buzz to get there as he played in the minors, and daughters Collette and Kay join them as exceptional adults … and now there are grandkids on the same path.

"I'm grateful every day for my family," Hannahan said. "And when the U.S. Open comes along, I think about Billy Fadell right in front of me, and the fireman just happening to be there. And how I was the luckiest one."

Hannahan got to know Mike Fadell, Billy's father, and they played a long weekend of golf with others in 2009. Mike died at 72 in 2011.

"Mike was one feisty, good old boy," Hannahan said. "A great guy, and such a love for his son."