Grayson Murray’s parents revealed Sunday that he had died by suicide.
Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, died Saturday at the age of 30.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “It’s surreal that we have to admit this not only to ourselves but to the world. It’s a nightmare.”
Murray has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and alcoholism and had recently been in the midst of a career resurgence.
Murray said he had been sober for eight months after winning the Sony Open in January.
He was engaged to Christiana Ritchie and the two lived together in Florida.
“There are so many unanswered questions,” Eric and Terry Murray’s statement continues, “but one.
“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. He was loved by us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, his friends, his fellow players and apparently many of you reading this. He was loved and will be missed.”
Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday, but died the day after.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said he had asked Murray’s family whether they wanted to suspend the tournament, but that they wanted it to continue.
“We want to thank the PGA Tour and the golf community at large for the overwhelming support they have shown us,” the statement said. “Life has not always been easy for Grayson and although he has taken his own life, we know he is now resting peacefully.”
“Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible tragedy and honour Grayson by being kind to one another. We couldn’t ask for anything more if that will be his legacy.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org.
