A 25-year-old former Drexel University squash team captain, Filip Krüeger, died tragically when a 100-foot red oak tree unexpectedly fell on his golf cart at Melrose Country Club in Philadelphia on April 13, 2024. The Swedish native was playing with friends when the tree collapsed without warning, likely killing him instantly.

Filip was a remarkable young man who lived life fully:

• 4-time captain of Drexel's squash team
• Earned joint degree in engineering and finance
• World traveler and adventurer
• Devoted boyfriend to Hatti Specter
• Known for his empathy, curiosity and joy for life

His death deeply affected the Drexel squash community, his family in Sweden, and his girlfriend's family. His father Christian, upon visiting the site months later, found "something beautiful" even in the tragic location, exemplifying the family's approach to grieving through openness, activity and celebrating Filip's life.

The tree that fell had an odd lean and protruding limb over the fairway. No lawsuit was filed, though Filip's girlfriend's father, attorney Shanin Specter, advocated for mandatory public reporting of tree health assessments at golf courses to prevent similar tragedies.

Melrose Country Club was set to close at the end of 2024 for a housing development. The course's final hole, where Filip spent his last moments, stands as a testament to a vibrant young life cut inexplicably short.

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