Exclusive golf club caddy boss ‘punched and choked to death by best friend in drunken argument while watching TV’
AN EXCLUSIVE golf club caddy boss was reportedly punched and choked to death by his best friend during a drunken argument.
The two pals Kevin Somers, 45, and Marc Dern, 34, were watching TV when they got into a row over a golf tournament, authorities said.
Caddy boss Somers was found dead on Saturday at the house of his colleague Dern with whom he worked at the super-exclusive Maidstone Club in East Hampton.
The pair were drinking while watching golf and the Winter Olympics when the fight broke out.
Dern’s lawyer, John Ray told The Post: “These are best friends. Their families are friends.
“There was a lot of alcohol involved on everybody’s part. There was some kind of a tussle and this fellow has passed.
“It’s a calamity of the first order. Nothing that happened was intentional.”
Prosecutors told the Southhampton Press that Dern punched Somers before breaking a small bone in his throat and asphyxiating him.
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Prosecutors also allege Somers was left on the porch for three hours before police were called but Ray has disputed the allegation.
Ben Dollinger, an East Hampton town trustee said “nicest guy in the world” Somers was in a bad shape when the ambulance arrived.
He said: “Kevin’s face was so mangled and bleeding that the EMTs who knew him his whole life couldn’t recognize him. He lost a lot of blood.”
The 45-year-old was pronounced dead at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.
Dern has been charged with one felony count of manslaughter in the first degree.
A Southhampton Town judge has set a cash bail of $500,000 or a $1 million bond for Dern.
Somer’s family has set up a GoFundme page to raise funds to create a scholarship in his honor.
The site reads: “In honor of Kevin Somers’ life, this site has been created to continue his legacy of sporting excellence for local student-athletes.
“All who knew Kevin were aware of his enthusiasm, compassion, dedication, and generosity towards family, friends, and community.
“In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a donation to The Kevin Somers Scholarship fund.
“Our family would like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of love and affection during these difficult times.”
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