Breaking: Two-Time PGA Tour Winner Dies Suddenly At The Age Of 30

One of the world’s most elite professional golfers has died after a brief illness, according to sources.

Grayson Murray, 30, dropped out of a competition earlier in the week and reports confirmed his death on Saturday.

According to CBS News:

Murray’s death comes after he withdrew Friday during the second round of the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, citing an illness.

“We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement.

“The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.

“I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.”

Tributes soon began pouring in on social media:

Sad news in the world of golf. Grayson Murray who won the Sony Open this year passed away this morning. His life was moving in such a positive direction which included a heightening of his faith and an engagement to be married. My heart goes to his family.

— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) May 25, 2024

The PGA Tour just announced player Grayson Murray died this morning. Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge due to illness.

Horrible. Murray overcame battles with addiction and mental health and won on tour just four months ago.

— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) May 25, 2024

Wow. At a loss for Words

Life is very short. RIP Grayson Murray https://t.co/kkujTAtS3L

— Craig Thomson (@ThomsonGolf94) May 25, 2024

Rest in peace Grayson Murray, I am in shock and just deeply reflective rn. Was golfing yesterday and just didn’t have a good day and it pushed him over the edge. You never know what people are going through so always be kind bc this shit puts things in perspective

— Luke (@LCBreezy1) May 25, 2024

NBC News provided some additional coverage:

Murray, 30, won the Sony Open in a playoff earlier this year, ending a six-year winless drought during which he’d struggled both mentally and physically.

Murray, who was profiled in this in-depth piece by Golf Channel in 2017, had been open about his battles with anxiety and depression. He said in January that he sought treatment in the past few years for alcohol abuse but had been sober for several months.

Following his victory at Waialae, Murray spoke optimistically about his future, saying that he had rediscovered his faith and was engaged to be married to Christiana Ritchie, whom he met in 2021.

“I wouldn’t trade anything,” Murray said at the time. “I have a beautiful fiancée. I have beautiful parents. I have beautiful nephews, siblings. Everyone in my life right now who is close to me, who has been through the struggles with me, it’s all a team effort. I think this is just the start of something really special.”

Here’s a clip of Murray discussing some of the personal challenges he had overcome throughout his career: