The father of late player Grayson Murray has revealed one of the last moments shared by the PGA Tour pro who committed suicide at the age of 30 in May.
With newly published works Eric Murray of Golf Digest recalled an emotional conversation with his son on May 5 at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, in which Murray said, “I don't want to be here anymore.”
A few days after that exchange, Murray participated in the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, but withdrew from the second round due to illness. His death was announced on May 25th.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement at the time: “I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of PGA Tour player Grayson Murray this morning.” “I'm speechless. The PGA Tour is a family and when you lose a family member, you're never the same.
“We mourn Mr. Grayson and pray for the comfort of his loved ones. I have reached out to Grayson's parents to express our deepest condolences and in that conversation ask them to continue tournament play. They were adamant that Mr. Grayson wanted us to do it.”
The golfer's mother, Eric Murray and Terry Murray, later confirmed that the two-time PGA Tour winner died by suicide.
“We have spent the last 24 hours coming to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It's outrageous that not only do we have to admit that to ourselves, but we also have to admit it to the world. It’s real. It’s a nightmare.” Their statement read: May 26th.
“…Was Grayson loved?” The answer is “yes.” By us, his brother Cameron, sister Erica, his entire extended family, his friends, his fellow players, and — probably — many people reading this. He was loved and will be missed.
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the golf community as a whole for their tremendous support. Life was not always easy for Grayson and he took his own life, but we know he is now resting in peace. I know.”
Murray, who has been open in the past about his struggles with depression and alcohol problems, said he “hated going out” and was considered a “homeboy”, according to his sister Erica, who spoke to Golf Digest. It is said that it was done.
“He was a homebody and got his energy from his family and friends. He was locked in a hotel room; [away] I got his numbers from people I trust,” she said.
Terry believes a higher power was keeping an eye on her son after Murray contacted a woman named Maggie on his way to Palm Beach after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge.
“He was surrounded by angels watching over him until the end,” she said.
For Eric, he will remember Grayson fondly as a “superhero.”
“They weren't character flaws,” Eric said. “Those demons, those torments, they were trying to destroy him. He would say, 'Father, why me?' Why did this have to happen to me?” But he continued to move forward and was open to everything, knowing that it was okay to risk damage to his reputation and image as long as it helped someone else in his position. ”
Following Murray's death, members of the golf world paid tribute, including Rory McIlroy, who said the heartbreaking situation had “put everything in perspective”.
“It's incredibly sad and what everyone has to remember here is that we go out and do things that a lot of people can't do, but at the end of the day, we We're still human, we're still vulnerable, we're still human.'' It's very fragile and I think if there's a lesson for anyone out there, it's just to be kinder to each other.'' the major champion said in May.
Ahead of the U.S. Open in June, the USGA memorialized Murray with a plaque in the Pinehurst, North Carolina, locker room that read: ”
The shield ended with “Let's be kind to each other.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
