PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray, who has died aged 30, took his own life, his parents said, as they urged people to be “kind to each other”.
The American player, a two-time Tour winner, withdrew from a competition in Texas on Friday with two holes left in his second round, citing illness. one day before dying.
In their statement, Eric and Terry Murray said that “life was not always easy” for their son and “although he took his own life, we know he now rests in peace.”
The couple said losing him was a “nightmare” and that they have “so many unanswered questions… except one.”
“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, his entire extended family, his friends, his fellow players and, it seems, many of you reading this. He was loved and we will miss you”.
The couple thanked the PGA Tour and “the entire golf world for the great support.”
They ended their statement by saying, “Please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday and his death on Saturday was announced by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who said Murray’s parents had asked that the event go ahead.
‘Sometimes I wanted to give up on life’
Murray spoke out in January about his battles with anxiety and depression, revealing that he had sought treatment in recent years for alcohol abuse but had been sober for several months.
After his Tour victory earlier this year in Hawaii, he explained how much it meant to him after what he had been through, saying: “It’s not easy… Many times I wanted to give up, give up on myself, give up.” to the game of golf, give up on life sometimes and just persevere.
“When you get tired of fighting, let someone else fight for you and that’s what happened.”
Golfers pay tribute to Murray
World number one Scottie Scheffler led the tributes. The American golfer said: “Obviously the news hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying a lot for them all.
“I can’t imagine how difficult this time is. I’ve gotten to know Grayson a little better over the last six months. There’s really no way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”
Murray’s long-time caddie, Jay Green, hailed him as “the absolute best.”
“Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, but he was even a best friend,” he said in a statement.
“He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family and my heart goes out to them. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Murray at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky on May 15. Photo: Reuters
English golfer Luke Donald wrote on My deepest condolences and prayers to his entire family so they may find some peace.”
Donald’s compatriot Justin Rose wrote: “I had the opportunity to spend a few rounds of golf with Grayson in recent weeks at Hilton Head, Quail Hollow and Valhalla.
“I will always remember that and use it to remind myself that you never know what challenges people face in their lives and how they may internalize things. RIP Grayson and love and strength to your family and friends.”
Murray playing in a PGA event at Valhalla Golf Club on May 16. Photo: AP
PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan said: “Over the last few years I spent a lot of time with him because I wanted to understand what we could do, in his opinion, to help everyone else here.
“I am devastated by the loss of Grayson. In the conversations I had with him, particularly last year, I learned a lot from him. He was very open and transparent with me.”
Stay up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Murray won the Sony Open in Hawaii in January after making a 40-foot birdie putt to beat Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley in a playoff.
It marked his first victory on tour since claiming his first PGA Tour title during his rookie campaign in 2017, when he won the Barbasol Championship in Alabama at age 24.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
