Sources: Wellington polo big John Goodman was at party before deadly crash
Tags: accident, death, florida, International Polo Club Palm Beach, John Goodman, Jose Lambiet's Page2Live, Marc Ganzi, Nacho Figueras, Polo, Wellington
| Friday 12 February 2010 12:40 pm
International Polo Club Palm Beach founder and owner John Goodman, the driver of a Bentley that allegedly crashed into a car and killed its driver Friday morning in Wellington, was spotted at a party at dinner time Thursday night, several sources told Page2Live.
Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office are still investigating whether speed and alcohol contributed to the crash. Goodman suffered minor injuries but a 23-year-old man, Scott Wilson, died.
Shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday, I’m told Goodman, 46, attended the Polo Bartending Challenge, a charity fundraiser for the local YMCA, at the White Horse Tavern. Among those at the party were polo stars Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Kris Kampsen and Marc Ganzi. (see below)
While no witness reported seeing Goodman drink booze, there seemed to have been plenty of that around him. Check out Michele Sandberg’s gallery of the party by clicking here or on the picture:
From the left: Polo players Nick Roldan, Kris Kampsen, Nacho Figueras and Marc Ganzi (Michele Sandberg/Special to Page2Lvie)
He’ll be OK as long as the dead guy was poor like the pizza guy up in the Gardens. Heck the DA will probably make his travel arrangement for him,launder his clothes, pack his bags, drive him to the airport or wherever, and feed the dogs while he is out or away!
Bravo, well said.
Throw the book at him! This coked up drunk man had no right to take a life, no matter how much money and influence he has!
Why does a man like him have a driver?
People like this don’t have drivers because not matter how much money they have, they are so cheap to cut corners, just to save pennies. Stupid,Stupid,Stupid.
I feel for the parents of the young dead man, I have children around that age and I fear for them all the time on the roads here in FLA
fry him..asshole took the life of a good kid
People make mistakes, sometimes ones they cant fix. As a person that took that route it is very slick and dangerous. Let all the facts be brought to life. Of course people want to find a reason to hate mr goodman, but he really is a generous person. I am poor and he has always treated me graciously and with respect. It hurts to lose someone suddenly as i did in 2006 when my best friend was killed right in front of me. The person that killed him was not rich but he still got away. Just look for a blessing inside this. GOD is the one that controls these things. Just because we dont think its time to go, doesn’t mean we neccesarilly get to stay alive. Be grateful that you know how it happened and who did it. Be grateful that all the things that need to be taken care of are going to be compensated. I panhandled for my friends funeral…….literally. Mr. Goodman is not a coked up drunk and i have witnessed him for years being chauffered around. This is tragic and unfortuanate, but it was NOT inevitable due to goodman’s lifestyle. This could happen to anyone at anytime. Dont let his bank acct. cause you to judge him. My prayers go out to both families. May healing come quickly.
The poor family that lost a child will never heal, and Mr. Goodman will never see the inside of a jail cell. Going through a stop sign to and hitting the other car broadside to flip it into the cannel, is an accedient but it is also murder. But thanks to his BANK ACCOUNT and his high priced attorney’s, unlike us ordanary folks who struggle day by day, will be walking free breathing air and doing what he does every day of the week. Sure publicly he will be so sorry, offer to pay the family for it’s loss and make a fund in the young mans name, 3 months from now I doubt he will remember that name (unless one of his assistants remind him). Any normal folk would not have been released from the hospital, they would have been taken to jail and charged. I am sure the Sheriff had him blow into a straw before the ambulance took him to get his arm fixed. Those results are enough to put normal folk in jail for at least a few hours.
Just look at the crash photo’s he crossed a two lanes of traffic before hitting the other car, the damage done to the Bently (a car that is built by hand and one of the heaviest on the road). The man didn’t even slow down.
So please don’t minimize this, this is not just an accident, it was murder pure and simple.
BARTENDING Challenge and people are wondering if this ass was drinking? Are you kidding me? Of course he was drinking. That’s what happens at a Bar Tending Challenge. They don’t compete to see how fast they wipe the bar, idiots they make drinks!!
“No one would say they saw him drink”…of course ass wipes they are all cut from the same cloth. They all went home…drove home…with a snoot full.
Where is MADD??? Mobilize people.
In 5 years there must have been over 15 incidents like this in PBC alone. When these bigshots come down in the winter and all these parties are going on, there should be more cops out in full force doing RIDE checks. ESPECIALLY in Palm Beach where I have seen valets assist staggering drunks into their flashy cars. This guy deserves a minimum 25 years for not only DUI manslaughter, but for fleeing the accident scene and not trying to assist the victim, as well as possession and influence of an illegial substance.
When will people learn that alcohol and driving do not mix? This man could afford a limo and driver but chose to drive his Bentley? Did anyone at the Player’s Club realize this man should not be driving? So many questions but no answers at this time. My heart breaks for the family of this young man. What a senseless tradgedy which could of easily been avoided. A fool and his money soon goes separate ways.
Sticking up for a friend is one thing, but lying is another. Sorry CHIdaCHEF, but I travel that road every day to work and it is NOT slick and dangerous. Of course, if you are drunk, driving over the speed limit and failing to stop at stop signs…..
LET’S MAKE ONE THING CLEAR:
Those of us WITH money do NOT drive Bentleys, Ferraris or Aston Martins. We see automobiles as transportation.
This nouveau phenomenom of such dreadful cars is shared by the undeucated pro-basketball player who does not know better and the Palm Beach wannabe who uses such a vehicle as a penile extension. Enough said. CHEERS! (I drive a 2008 Ford.)
My heart goes out to the family of Scott Wilson. This was no mere “accident”! Goodman had to have been literally flying high on drugs & or alcohol to have been driving down 120th Ave at a tremendous rate of speed (speed limit on 120th is 35mph!) to hit Scott’s car broadside & catapault it into the canal upside down! Where was he going?!? 120th Ave south of Lake Worth Road isn’t even paved, it’s a DIRT road.
I don’t know how Goodman can even look at himself in a mirror! What a coward…not to have called 911 right away…worried only about himself. I bet his first call was to his lawyer. No matter how ‘generous’ and magnanimous a person John Goodman might be, this is unforgivable! A promising young man’s life snuffed out in an instant!
There is nothing wrong with the road on 120th Avenue coming from the roundabout up to Lake Worth Road. It was a clear dry night.
The true test of a person’s character is not what he does when everyone is watching but what he does when NO one is watching! May Goodman be forever tormented by this gross error of judgement. So many of these equestrians & polo people think the rules are for everyone else but them. I am embarrassed to even mention that I live in Wellington!
I am appalled at the press coverage about what a terrible impact this “accident” will have on the Polo Community. The Polo Community is notorious for self indulgent, substance abusing life styles. And this tragedy is yet another result of it. This is not about wether or not Mr. Goodman had a driver…I’m sure he does. It is about a drunk/impaired driver getting behind the wheel of a car, and snuffing out the life of an INNOCENT young man. My heart goes out to the family of Scott Wilson, as the mother of three sons I can’t imagine the pain they are going through. He was an accomplished young man, with his whole life ahead of him…driving home for his sister’s birthday! Mr. Goodman should not be allowed to see the light of day…the same as his victim.
I agree Jane. I can’t believe the Post slanted its entire article to show how hard this “accident” will hit the polo community. Who cares? I am a Wellington resident and I feel that if Goodman was at fault, which it appears he definitely was, especially if he was DUI, which he probably was, then he should spend the next several years behind bars like anyone else in that situation. The tragedy is that Mr. Wilson’s family will never be made whole even with ALL of Goodman’s money.
Losing their son will bring absolute and devastating sadness and grief to these parents and other family members for the rest of their lives. Whatever Goodman pays in jail time or money will never come close to their loss. Hopefully he will not buy his way out of a 5-10 year jail term so he can, at least, feel some “real” loss in his life over this. Taking his money will only give him reason for claiming that he payed for his “accident” and feeling, some how, justified. He needs to lose some “life time” in order to really feel this and understand what he has done.
Wow, this guy is going to have to put Cary O’donnell on his speed dial. He better do something because it looks like he’s headed for a Tiger-like PR fiasco.
Where is John Goodman right now ? Is he in one of his homes on the Islands, or did he rush back to Texas to hide behind his money there ? The rumors are flying around his great Polo Community and I for one and my family is disgusted at the one sided article that the Post allowed to be printed !! Who Cares about the Polo Community and there dead horses and the passing away of the man who brought Polo to Wellington ? Didn’t they have there time of mourning in there articles what do they have to do with the loss of this young man Scott Wilson’s mother and family is mourning. She will never be the same without her son and I didn’t no this young man but it could have been any of our son’s and all the money in the world shouldn’t be able to buy that useless drunk Goodman out of this, but in this system where the rich win he will. Anyone who lives in Wellington and walks even on the outside of his circles know of his reputation of being the good time charlie !! IPC, Wellington Club,I wonder what they all think of you now, some will take your side Goodman, because they are like you, a coward who woul save his own life before he would save that young man’s, some however want nothing to do with you, they are the truly rich…RIP Scott Wilson and our prayers are with your family
I need a few answers- hopefully you can help! First, where can I find the information that this guy held off calling 911? I read the police report pdf file, and did not see it, but might be missing something. It does say alchohol/drugs involved for him, but if he blew- why is he not in jail? FACTS- no “hate the rich” strange jelous behavior- just need facts here. Also, if he didn’t blow- can they still put alchohol/drugs as the X they marked in pdf file or is that supposition? I mean, I get it- avoid the test- get off, but I thought fatality they had to do blood test. I guess I am missing some facts and I think I have read everything. I am HEART-BROKEN for the mom of that young boy-can’t get it out of my mind. I also am amazed that you all focus on his wealth- who cares? People of all incomes kill by DUI all the time- don’t be hypocrits like the POST.
people people people. not to worry, money or not, the facts are the facts and the law will prevail. quit trying to find conspiracy and let the process happen. to say he deserves this or that, the LAW dictates what he deserves, not opinion. i really wonder where all you people get your “facts”. in the last many, many years, when has someone with or without money “walked” or been slapped on the wrist for a crime of this nature? anyone? anyone? “fact” people? answer: they don’t. PBC has a stellar reputation for successfully putting these people away in accordance with the LAW. in other types of crimes there have surely been cases where people with money (and without) have not served the kind of time behind bars they should have, but very rarely with this type of crime (check the facts).
Informed,informed, informed, do you have children,
The Law will prevail in these types of crimes, like OJ
How will it prevail, why wasn’t he arrested immediately?
I watched the law sweep under the rug when my 16 year was held up at 10 pm one nite in Sugar Pond and nothing was done but a slap on the Marine’s hand, I watched my other son at 15 get jumped and beat up walking home from a town meeting on violence run by our local sheriff’s department, they were identified and nothing was done…There rich family’s attorney got them off and my son has never had respect for authority since….wonder why
Don’t talk to me about the law in this town prevailing
By the way I am a Mother first and I can’t imagine the pain Mrs. Wilson and her family is feeling….maybe we all need a place to vent so
informed, informed,informed we will worry until Goodman is brought to court and processed correctly like anyone else…..the Post started this whole situation of contempt from the public because of the one sided article that they were ignorant to print, dwelling on the Polo Community instead of the sorrow of Scott Wilson’s family and by the way INFORMED are you to scared to put you name down….stand up for what you say and not be afraid to tell the PEOPLE you refer to what part of the Law are you involved in…Venting and caring about a human being that not had a chance to live his life,…where is this Coward that he can’t admit what he did wrong and accept the punishment, maybe we all could respect that tragedy’s happen then…just maybe
Who cares about the Polo Club? Mr Goodman should be in jail and not lying low somewhere with his fancy attorneys. Talk about money buying no immediate jail time. That really is a disgrace. He’s killed a young man, and his future is over. His poor family have to be destroyed, because of a billionaire who can afford a driver, and didn’t get one. Obviously he didn’t think anything was going to happen to him, so he drove his Bentley, what a disgrace.
This story disgusts me! The POST should be ashamed of taking this tragic and very sad accident and turning it into a resume for Mr. Goodman. What about Scott Wilson?? Are you awarded more print based on your financial standing?? We will never know how “valuable” this young engineering graduate might be to the POST; he never had a chance. God Bless the family of Scott Wilson; I am deeply saddened for you.
The wording of your article disgusts me. Is the “wealthy guy” guilty til proven innocent? Are you reporting jut the facts or embellishing them, if not creating them? I bet wealthy people go to lots of parties, but that doesn’t mean they drink at all of them, or that they are killers. Man, I hope you they never call YOU for jury duty!
what a bunch of nutbags on this blog, the guy is innocent until proven guilty, no ??
I agree with whoever that said “let the process work” and yes, $ will help his case (assuming there even is one).
obviously the Goodman’s did a lot of good things over the last 60 years even if this guy is only partially responsible…
No need to villify !!
why hasnt anyone talked to talked to the guy who was in the car with Goodman? you reporters need to do alot more investigating.
Why is there still no news about the blood test? Could Black be doing something to keep this info public? Just how much power does this attorney (and Goodman’s $$) have in this case? It is clear cut to me. This guy shold be in jail as we speak.
I am amazed at how hateful many of these comments are. I worked for John for many years and know he and his family well. I am not suggesting that he gets off…it certainly seems he is at fault for this accident. And yes, he will probably not face harsh legal charges, but I can assure you he DOES care. He is a kind person and does alot for others out of the generosity of his heart. I feel awful for the young man who died and his family, but it isn’t fair to paint John as a monster. I know that this will haunt him for the rest of his life.
And for whoever said he is too cheap to hire a driver and he “cuts corners”, you are very wrong. He usually does have a driver. Don’t say things unless you have first hand knowledge.
My prayers go out to the Wilson Family.
Scott was my friend, he was a good person, a kind one, he didn’t smoke, he didn’t drink, he followed the law. He was the kind of person you loved to be around. I don’t even care what happens to Goodman, all I know is that Scott is gone, that i will never see him again. That he will never get another chance to grow old, to laugh, to love. And as i walked in his room one last time, like nothing happened, as if it was waiting for his return, his shoes still lay on the ground, his bed unmade, I am in complete disbelieve. Mr. Goodman will never know who he took away from this world. And maybe he will never go to jail for what he has done, and maybe he will. But that won’t make Scott come back to us. I am heartbroken, and I hope that Mr. Goodman will one day understand what he has done and how he has affected all that knew Scott Wilson.
we are aggressively debating facts we are unsure of, because there’s money involved(lots of it). Bottom line: most of us are guessing how much $$$ the Wilson family will receive…not enough to compensate for their loss, but…the same damage could have been done by an uninsured jobless driver…in which case we would not be discussing like we are. Bottom line: in an ideal world (not this one), people should be judged by their actions…once the truth is found, a corresponding punishment should be applied. Then, in an ideal world, money should help the healing process. (example: what would make the Wilson family feel a bit “better” : 1. Goodman in jail for 5 years AND $5,000,000 , or 2.Goodman in jail for 6 months AND $70,000,000???….let me know.)
Look at the facts. John Goodman got into a car, DRUNK, and KILLED another human being. Goodman, founder of the IPC, boarding school graduate, is smart enough to know that by getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk is dangerous. HE IS SELFISH!!! In order to even do something like that, you have to be thinking only of yourself. He didn’t even call 911 or try to help Scott. Goodman has had everything else handed to him in his life (public knowledge) and obviously thinks the world revolves around him and that he can do what ever he likes. Well here is the harsh reality. John Goodman now has Scott Wilson’s life on his hands. To the family of Scott Wilson: your son/brother/friend will be remembered and honored always.
Many comments about this being an accident and what a great guy Mr. Goodman has always appeared to be. His true test will be in his handling of this situation. If it was an accident, then he needs to step up, make a statement and take responsibility for his actions. His silence is sending the message he has something to hide. A scripted response from his attorney is unacceptable. At this point, heard Mr. Goodman is not even confirming he was in the vehicle, basically telling the police & family they will have to prove it. I do not know if this information is true, I hope it is not. Anyone can make a bad decision or make a mistake. We will see the type of man he really is by his response or lack or response in the coming days.
I knew Scott Wilson when he was younger. He was a good friend of my sister’s. He was really really sweet and very intelligent. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
why shouldn’t we villify a monster?. cause that’s what he is!
I am shocked by how concerned everyone is for Mr. Goodman. What about the Wilson family? I have known Scott’s sister since elementary school, been to her birthday parties, and always thought she had one of the kindest families. While I did not know Scott, I have heard that he was a great friend and had high expectations for his future. His friends and family do not deserve this awful thing to happen to them, and my heart goes out to everyone who cared for him.
Furthermore, I’ve lived in Wellington all my life and have driven through that intersection THOUSANDS of times. 120th Avenue has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour, is not slick or dangerous, like one of the posters suggested, has a very OBVIOUS stop sign, and there are no obstacles that could have kept him from seeing an oncoming car. Whether he was drunk or not, he had to have been going over the speed limit to send Scott’s car all the way into canal (there is a large grassy area, at least 30 yards wide, between the canal and the road) and he certainly didn’t stop at the stop sign.
I hope Mr. Goodman is properly charged for this, and that his money doesn’t stand in the way. More importantly, my thoughts are with the Wilson family and friends of Scott’s and hope that a proper trial gives them some closure.
what really sucks is no one knew the kid was in the car until it was taken out of the cana
one justice for all