Grayson Murray Cause Of Death: Ex-PGA Tour Champ Struggled With Alcohol, Depression For Years Before Suicide
Professional golfer Grayson Murray has died of suicide, his parents confirmed on Sunday. He was 30.
In a statement released through the PGA Tour, Eric and Terry Murray said their son had taken his own life and that he will be missed.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
The family requested for privacy as they grieve and deal with their loss. They also urged people to be "kind to one another."
"If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else," Eric and Terry added.
Murray's death came just days after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas on May 24, People reported.
He had been competing for two rounds before deciding to withdraw from the competition.
In January, Murray won the Sony Open -- his second PGA Tour title.
The 30-year-old golfer had struggled with alcoholism and depression but was sober for eight months during the competition earlier this year.
"I would drink during tournament weeks. It was my outlet. I thought I was invincible coming out here as a 22-year-old, winning as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won," he said during his victory, Golf Monthly reported.
He also went to rehab, refound Christianity and got engaged to his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie.
"My story is not finished. I think it's just beginning," Murray said at the time per ESPN.
"I hope I can inspire a lot of people going forward that have their own issues."
In a statement, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said the golf world mourns the death of its family member.
"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," Monahan said.
Players will wear black and red pins during the tournament to honor Grayson Murray's legacy.
