Grayson Murray’s parents have urged ‘be kind to one another’ as they revealed the American golfer took his own life.
The PGA Tour announced that the 30-year-old had tragically passed away on Saturday, a day after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge event in Texas.
On Sunday, the Tour released a statement on behalf of Murray’s heartbroken parents, Eric and Terry.
The statement read: “We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone.
“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.
“We have so many questions that have no answers. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. 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. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.
“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. Thank you.”
Murray told his golf partners on Friday he was feeling unwell before pulling out of the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge after 16 holes.
He passed away on Saturday morning with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan confirming the news, and saying the event would continue at the request of Murray’s parents.
The statement from the PGA Tour read: “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. 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.”
Murray was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour and after his most recent victory, in Hawaii in January, he bravely opened up about his struggles away from the golf course.
He admitted his parents had been through “hell and back” with the depression, anxiety and alcoholism issues he had faced throughout his career.
The golf world has been paying tribute to Murray following news of his tragic passing.
World number one Scottie Scheffler – who was playing in the same tournament this week – reacted: “Obviously, the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them.
“I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so. There’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”
Fellow American star Justin Thomas said: “Speechless to hear about Grayson. Guy had been through so many ups and downs to get where he was. I hurt so much for his family and the people closest to him. My condolences and deepest sympathies.”
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald wrote on social media: “Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious. My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace.”
Another European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose said: “I had the opportunity to spend a few rounds of golf alongside 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 have going on in their lives and how they may be internalising things. RIP Grayson and love and strength to your family and friends.”
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