Grayson Murray’s heartbroken parents say PGA golfer ‘took his own life’ as they ‘come to terms’ with son’s tragic death
GOLF star and two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray took his own life, say his heartbroken parents.
Eric and Terry Murray released a heartfelt statement speaking on how they are coming to terms with the shock death of their son which they labelled as an “incredible tragedy”.
Murray told golf partners on Friday he was feeling unwell before pulling out of an event in Texas with just two holes left to play.
He tragically died the next day at just 30 years old.
His parents Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement today: “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.
“He was loved and he will be missed.
“Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
Murray had bravely opened up about his mental struggles before his tragic death.
Once saying his parents had been through “hell and back” with his depression, anxiety and alcoholism issues throughout his career.
He once told fans “it’s ok not to be ok”.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced the news of his passing on Saturday.
He said Murray’s openness around mental health helped to create a better player support system in golf.
Murray had been an advocate of mental health throughout the final few years of his life as he opened up on his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism several times.
He said: “Everyone has their battles. And sometimes people are able to hide them and function, and sometimes you’re not.
“I think our society now is getting better about accepting that, you know, it’s ok to not be ok.
“I’m not ashamed that I go through depression and anxiety.”
The family statement thanked the PGA Tour as well as the golfing community for their support.
Murray was reportedly due to marry his fiancee, Christiana, in the Spring.
He first took part in the US Open as an amateur in 2013 and within just four years he won the Barbasol Championship in his first PGA tour victory.
Then in January of this year he earned his second – winning the Sony Open in Hawaii.
His last major event was at the Masters Tournament this year where he finished 51st.
Despite being a two-time PGA Tour winner, Murray admitted last year that he has viewed his golfing career as a “failure”.
Even after reaching an impressive career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Rankings the sportsman still said at times he saw himself as a “waste of talent”.
The parents have asked for privacy.
TRIBUTES FLOODING IN
World number one Scottie Scheffler led the tributes for the golf star saying he was “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,” he continued.
“There’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”
The PGA published a detailed post online following Murray’s passing.
They described him as: ” a standout golfer from his youth”.
Detailing his achievements, they listed his impressive tours, event wins and victories over a span of almost 20 years.
Golf journalist Brentley Romine also said Jay Green – Murray’s caddie – shared a heartfelt tribute via text after news of Murray’s death broke.
He said: “Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend.
“He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply.”
Golfer Luke Donald also paid tribute to the 30-year-old, writing: “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.”
Fellow athlete Bubba Watson later said “life is so fragile”.
He left a touching message remembering when the pair shared a hug and some loving words of encouragement at The Masters last month.
He first took part in the US Open as an amateur in 2013 and within just four years he won the Barbasol Championship in his first PGA tour victory.
Then in January of this year he earned his second – winning the Sony Open in Hawaii.
His last major event was at the Masters Tournament this year where he finished 51st.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
