Casino Executive Dies After Golf Cart Overturns and Crushes Him

A casino executive has died after suffering serious injuries in a late-night golf cart accident at an Arkansas country club, authorities confirmed.

James “Jim” Burns, 58, the chief financial officer of Saracen Casino Resort, was critically injured early Thursday, Jan. 8, when the golf cart he was riding in overturned on the golf course at Pine Bluff Country Club in Pine Bluff, according to local reports.

Police responded to the scene around midnight after receiving calls about an accident on the course. A witness told officers they were inside their home when they noticed red lights outside their back window and went to investigate. The person discovered Burns trapped underneath the overturned golf cart.

The witness immediately began performing CPR and continued for several minutes until emergency crews arrived. Burns was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment later that night.

Despite medical efforts, Burns died the following day, Friday, Jan. 9, Jefferson County Coroner Chad Kelley confirmed.

Kelley said Burns was sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office in Little Rock for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.

Burns joined Saracen Casino Resort in October 2020, according to his professional history. Before that, the Northern Illinois University graduate served as chief financial officer of Naskila Gaming and operated his own financial consulting firm for nearly two decades.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their five children, and four grandchildren.

Following his death, Pine Bluff Country Club shared a tribute on social media, remembering Burns as a beloved presence at the club and in the community.

“As many of you know, one of our dear friends passed away recently in a tragic accident here at the club,” the organization wrote. “Jim Burns was a tremendous individual that loved PBCC and Pine Bluff in general.”

The club added that although Burns was relatively new to the area and its board, his kindness and infectious personality made him feel like a longtime friend.