Grayson Murray's parents have released an emotional statement confirming the PGA Tour star took his own life.
The 30-year-old, a two-time PGA Tour winner and the world number 58, was found dead on Saturday (May 25), less than 24 hours after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.
Murray told his playing partners he was feeling unwell after 16 holes of Friday's second round and walked off the course, the Mirror reports.
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Murray had been open about his struggles with alcohol and his mental health over the years. But he turned his life around last year, getting sober and regaining his place on the PGA Tour.
Murray's family say they have been left with many unanswered questions about his final moments. They added he "was loved and he will be missed".
"We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone," Murray's parents Eric and Terry said. "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."
Tour members were informed of Murray's death via an email sent by commissioner Jay Monahan during Saturday's third round at Colonial. Play continued in line with the family's wishes.
Heartbreaking scenes followed as Murray's contemporaries tried to come to terms with the news, with tributes pouring in from across the game. CBS commentators Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman fought back tears as they informed viewers during the TV broadcast.
Peter Malnati was among the players to share their sadness with CBS after the round. He broke down in tears as he said: "This is going to be really hard. "I didn't know Grayson all that well, but I spent the last few days with him.
"It's so funny. We get so worked up out here about a bad break here or a good break there. You know, we're so competitive, so competitive out here. We all want to beat each other. And then something like this happens and you realise we're all just humans.
Murray showed star potential as a youngster making his way on tour, with the North Carolina native winning the Barbasol Championship in 2017. But hard times followed and his form on the course suffered in the years that followed, losing his PGA Tour card.
Help and support
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
Yet he appeared to put his demons behind him. He won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 to earn his place back on the PGA Tour, and he was a winner again in January when he lifted the Sony Open title in Hawaii, defeating Byeong-hun An and Keegan Bradley in a playoff.
Murray rocketed up the world rankings as a result, earning a place in The Masters and last week's PGA Championship. He finished 51st and tied 43rd at Augusta National and Valhalla respectively.
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