PGA golfers and fans around the world were stunned to hear of the untimely death of 30-year-old two-time tour winner Grayson Murray over the weekend.
He died on Saturday, just one day after dropping out of his latest competition due to an unspecified illness.
The following day, his parents issued a statement addressing the cause, as ESPN reported:
The parents of professional golfer Grayson Murray on Sunday said the two-time PGA Tour winner died by suicide Saturday morning.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.
“… Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
Grayson Murray, 30, withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial after the 16th hole of Friday’s second round in Fort Worth, Texas. The PGA Tour cited the reason as illness.
“We have so many questions that have no answers. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes,” his parents said in their statement. “By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and — it seems — by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.”
Murray’s struggles in life were widely known and had been discussed on social media within the context of his death.
The golf world mourns for #GraysonMurray.
He has died at the age of 30.
Grayson struggled with depression, anxiety, and alcoholism.
He was so talented and used his fame to try and shed light on his issues to help others. Below is a clip of one of his speeches.
Rest In… pic.twitter.com/qleeCkIOFL
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) May 26, 2024
Professional golfer Grayson Murray died by suicide yesterday. He struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues for years.
In January he won his second PGA Tour event, the Sony Open in Hawaii. During the press conference after the tournament, instead of letting him celebrate… pic.twitter.com/Dkps3eBiiF
— MAZE (@mazemoore) May 26, 2024
This is just heartbreaking. Grayson Murray was playing good golf until holes 14, 15, and 16. On hole 17 he withdrew from the tournament, went back to where he was staying, and committed suicide.
Check on your people. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. pic.twitter.com/JIFt0V9oiB
— Dr. Chad M. Minor (@chad_minor1) May 26, 2024
The PGA Tour also issued a statement on the matter, as Yahoo reported:
“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,” Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said 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.
“The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not in the field. I am en route to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can.”
Some of Murray’s colleagues were clearly emotional when attempting to address the matter:
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